Unable to set desktop background all of a sudden


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
       #1

    Unable to set desktop background all of a sudden


    I decided to change my background tonight and it just isn't working. I have tried right-clicking on pictures>set picture as desktop background> but this is not working anymore.

    Right clicking on my desktop and clicking Personalize> Change theme and then setting it from there is not working either. The only thing that does work is setting a solid colour as a background (not too inspiring).

    I've googled for a solution and can't seem to fix it.

    Anyone know of a fix?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Talisker, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    Double check using the tutorial below to see if you may have the Remove background images (where available) box checked by mistaked in the Ease of Access Center.

    Remove Background Images (where available)


    If you do not, then try Option One in the tutorial below to "allow changing desktop background"....
    .... and/or Option Two in the tutorial below to "not specify a desktop background".

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Brink,

    This was one of the fixes I tried before posting my thread here. Whenever I search for gpedit.msc in the start menu, I get no results.

    Oh, and "remove background images (where available)" has always been unchecked on my computer.

    Is there a fix in the regedit perhaps?

    Thanks
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    Talisker,

    Your edition does not include gpedit.msc in it, so this is why you are not finding it.

    Instead, you would need to use the OPTION specified above for those tutorials to be able to do it through the registry instead of gpedit.msc.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Hi Shawn,

    I have downloaded "Allow changing desktop" and added it to my registry and I still can't set a picture as a desktop background.

    What next?

    Thanks
    Tom
    Last edited by Talisker; 30 Sep 2011 at 07:33.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    Tom,

    Did you restart the computer afterwards?

    I think the best thing to do next here would be to do a system restore (click on link) using a restore point dated before this happened to hopefully undo and fix it.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Shaun,

    The system restore has brought my old screensaver back but I still can't change it.

    Should I repeat any of the above?

    Tom
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    Screensaver??

    Did you want to change your screensaver or desktop background?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Duh... I meant background
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #10

    LOL, ok. I just wanted to make sure.

    If available, use a older restore point.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:09.
Find Us