"set as desktop background" not working

[tedbowden]

Stand alone XP Pro. I can set the wallpaper from the desktop tab on the display properties dialog. I can't set the wallpaper by right clicking a picture or by using the "set as desktop background" in the picture tasks area of the picture folder. The option is there, but nothing happens when clicking. This used to work but stopped about 3 months ago.

1. AV is running and up to date
2. No spyware on system. Microsoft Antispyware and Adaware SE and AOL antispyware all agree.
3. All windows updates are done.
4. No weird startups reported by hijack this.
5. SFC reports no problems.
6. All temp files are deleted.
7. tons of HD space.
8. 1.25 GB ram
9. Same issue in the administrator account and newly created test profiles.

I am stumpped. Please help.

 

[Crowley16]

hmm, sounds strange...

the only thing I can think of is that one of your AV progs is blocking changes to some of the windows settings.

try disabling all your av stuff, and trying again, this includes native xp stuff

--------------------
Procrastinate Now!

 

[tedbowden]

I did this. AV, antispyware and all other resident progs were stopped. Didn't help. I think there is a corrupt dll or something. I just can't find it. Hopefully someone will know the file(s) to focus in on.

 

[Auger282]

Well I know its stored loose in

C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft

see if anything is there.. rights?...

 

[linney]

Is this a .bmp or .jpg file you are trying to set as a background?

jpgs can't be used as desktop background
thread779-1001112

327998 - You Can Change Desktop Wallpaper Setting After Administrator Selects "Prevent Changing Wallpaper" Option in Group Policy

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;327998&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[Auger282]

yeah you need to make sure active desktop is enabled....

 

[tedbowden]

IEfix tool fixed the problem. I followed Linney's thread suggestions and bcaster made the suggestion to another user having a similar issue. Here is the link for the tool.

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFIX.htm

Thanks all