Unable to change Windows XP wallpaper
Question
Unable to change Windows XP wallpaper.
Cause
This issue could be caused by any of the following possibilities.
- Spyware or other registry corruption.
- Computer policy preventing certain users from this feature.
Answer
Before following the below steps, keep in mind you'll need to have access to and be familiar with the Windows registry.
1. Click Start, run, type: regedit and press enter.
2. Within the Registry Editor window browse to the below folder.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. Within the System folder delete all of the below values by highlighting them and pressing the delete key on the keyboard. When done, you should not see any of the below values in this System folder.
- NoDispAppearancePage
- NoDispCPL
- NoDispBackgroundPage
- NoDispScrSavPage
- NoDispSettingsPage
- Wallpaper *
* In addition to a value that says wallpaper if any other value is seen that contains the word "wallpaper" delete that value as well.
Once the above steps have been completed try changing the wallpaper again. If you're able to change, this issue has been resolved and you can close the registry editor window. If you're still unable to change the wallpaper, try the additional steps listed below.
1. Within the Registry Editor window browse to the below folder.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
2. If System does not exist, make sure the above steps have been completed by repeating them. If System exists delete all of the below values by highlighting them and pressing the delete key on the keyboard. When done you should not see any of the below values in this System folder.
- NoDispAppearancePage
- NoDispCPL
- NoDispBackgroundPage
- NoDispScrSavPage
- NoDispSettingsPage