Can't change display

Hi all, when I want to change the way my PC looks I can't do it the way I want. I right click the desktop go to programs, then under the Appearance tab I can only get the looks change by doing it myself, like in 'Windows Classic" I try to change it to "Windows XP Style" but when I click 'OK' or 'apply' the PC freezes. I have to shut off PC with button
The computer use to be okay. I did a clean Install of XP from my XP Home Upgrade CD. I really have NO problems but this one, making me NUTSO!
Any help please??
Thanks
Paul

 

Hi Pete C , thanks for getting nack to me. I did what you said, I typed in the 'RUN' command 'sfc /scannow' without the index marks. I got the notice to put in my XP CD which I did. Well it said that Windows XP Pro Service Pack CD is what should be in CD Rom, my CD is XP Home and thats what I have on my PC ???? That is what I put in, the Welcome to XP CD box popped up and asks what do I want to do? It lists all the things I can do.
I'm kinda stumped Pete.
~~Paul

 

You are unbelievable PeteC, how in the heck do you know & or find this stuff Anyway I read the page and learned quite a bit. The only problem I have is that I can't believe how long it takes to go thru the sfc scannow!
Oh well, hopefully it will find the problem & let me change my Displays...
I'll let you know how I make out PeteC..
Thank you,,
~~Paul

 

Can you get to the display dialog through the Control Panel, and if you can, is the "freeze" behavior the same there? Another thought, try logging into Safe Mode and making the display change. On the "Appearances" tab, make your change, and tell us what the "Theme" tab reports. (should be something like "XP style modified ")

Johanna

 

I can do the appearence okay in 'Windows Classic Style " but if I try to do "Windows XP style" it locks up as soon as I click 'Apply' or OK. I have tried everything, I think, making me nuts!
Thanks for all the help though people.

 

Yes Crister, its on automatic & Started
I keep trying but to no avail
Thank you for helping me out though..

 

The system file check should not have taken much time to run. The fact that it did indicates additional problems somewhere. Try this:

Start=>run=>cmd
chkdsk /r and answer Yes to the question about doing it at next boot then reboot
sfc /scannow one more time when the chkdsk has finished.
start=>run=>eventvwr.msc and see what results are recorded for the chkdsk and the pair of sfc scans. Sfc should be in your applications log as an informational item with Windows File Protection in the title. I forget the exact title on the chkdsk results but just look for something at about the correct time.

 

Themes (Won't Load or only Windows Classic is listed)

Go to Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Themes. Set to Automatic. Also check your settings here:

Start/Administrative Tools/Services/Terminal Services/Log On. At the bottom ensure that Hardware Profile Original Configuration is Enabled.

If the above doesn't apply/nor help: Only windows Classic is listed under Appearance:

1. Right click on the desktop and choose Properties.
2. On the Theme tab, choose the Windows XP.
3. If this option is missing, you may choose Browse... to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Luna.theme
4. The Luna.theme is the theme of the Windows XP.

From Kellys-Korner

Johanna

 

Hello Newt, I followed your directions to the letter! Thanks for taking the time to explain and help me. One thing before I forget Newt, it took 1 hour and 57 minutes to do the file check,,man I think thats along time. I only have a 20GB HD with only 5GB used of the HD space.
So in that 'Event Viewer' log "Application" I had 12 'warnings' I think thats what you may have been asking about. 4 of the warnings were in the WIN MNGMT 'Source column. 5 in the 'Userenv' Source. 2 in 'WinMgmt' source. Last, 1 in 'Windows Prod' So if you have the time, could you let me know if this tells you anything.
Thanks again,,
~~Paul

 

Still Stumped in Display !!

Hello, I have still not been able to get my Display problem fixed. Its when i go to my desktop, right click/Properties/Appearance/then I can 't set the top window to "Windows XP Style" without it freezing when I try to set my display in that small window. I can change it to "Windows Classic Style" and make changes to my Fonts & Color Schemes with NO troubles. Soon as I try "Win XP Style" & set Fonts to Normal or Large, it will change the color but then the small window pops up that says "Please Wait" . It locks up & I have to shut off PC with button I just can't get it right. After I did the clean install it worked fine for awhile. I can't remember when it started to lock up.
I wish I could re-install XP with my upgrade CD without errasing my hard drive.
Oh well, thanks everyone for your time & all the awesome ideas.
~~Paul