Display Properties Problem [new]

Ok. First off. I am running Windows XP Pro SP2. I have been using XP since it was released. I pretty much know the ins and outs. I've loaded and set up XP on numerous computers probably more than 100 times...thus I have fairly extensive knowledge of the OS.

Usually for the most part I've always been able to find fixes to problems in XP by either trial and error or a google search.

Well, I seem to have run into a new problem that I cannot fix (so far). I've had this problem for about 3 months and have just put it on hold because it is not vital to the OS functioning properly. But, its starting to really drive me nuts now, so I am looking for help.

DISPLAY PROPERTIES. Right-Click desktop. Choose properties. Display Properties window pops up with the Themes tab visible. So far so good. Click on the desktop tab. Now, here is where I am running into a new problem I have never seen in my life. In the area where my Backgrounds should be...there is NOTHING except the choice of (None). My C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper directory is IN TACT and full of desktop backgrounds, yet I cannot choose any of them from the Display Properties "Background" selection box. Also, when I try to use the "Browse..." button, I can successfully browse for image files...but when I select one and choose "Open" NOTHING happens. What the hell I say!

So basically I can't get any of my backgrounds to show up on the Desktop tab of Display Properties and the only way to change my desktop is to right click on the actual image I want to use and choose the "Set as Desktop Background" option.

Please, someone...help me. It's driving me crazy about now. Thank you anyone who can help. I have a feeling I'm gonna have to start digging through the registry to find the problem...

 

pure guess = how many images do u have available? \windows etc. eg - thinking it may be too many ... i have no reason to think this but ... i think therefore i am

other thoughts:

1) create a new user - does the problem follow?

2) do u have any 'web content' allowed on DT?

3) does it happen in vanilla mode? - nothing in startup basically

 

ok to make things more strange.

I was reading some things online and someone had a tabs problem in display properties...totally different. Anyway, it was suggested to download and run the program XoftSpy. So I figured it can't hurt. The program reset some windows defaults (policies i believe).

Well, now...all images in "My Pictures" folder WORK in the Backgrounds selection area of the Desktop tab in Display Properties. A step in the right direction. BUT, I still cant get the ones in C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper directory to show up.

To answer your three questions...

1) created new user. same problems.

2) no i don't have any 'web content' allowed on the DT.

3) it still happens with all startups disabled...

So, to conclude, XoftSpy seems to have fixed HALF the problem. I still can't figure why the C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper directory doesn't work though. I guess I could move everything to the "My Pictures" folder for now.

If you can think of anything else let me know. Thanks!

 

I'd be very tempted to do a repair installation, assuming windows is damaged (by time. Think it happens more frequently than many realize; I'm amazed how well windows runs after a re-install, and so find myself doing one every year or two).

 

you are suggesting plopping in the cd and reinstalling windows opposed to a full reformat right?

 

My desktop backgrounds are not in that folder. Mine are saved in My Documents\My Pictures. Since I am more aquainted Win 98...and Win 98 has a real problem with "View my desktop as a webpage ", I might think it is a an "old chestnut rearing it's head" (talk about mixed metaphors! ).

Suggest finding where Windows stores it's standard backgrounds. Change the file type of your intended background to the same type that Windows uses (eg. if Windows uses .bmp file types, change the pictures to those using an imaging program.but remember that it will use more resources if it is a larger file).

Run SFC (System File Checker...see Help and Support) and see if the ...\Web\Wallpaper folder may need to be replaced.

I really LOVE (Ha Ha) XP...that's why I work in 98....at least I have some hair left!

Matt

 

5ifty1

Yes, use the XP CD and instead of opting for a new install, use the second R (for repair) in the prompts (the first R runs restore console). Won't destroy data or settings.