display changes that was not authorized

I have XP on a IBM T42.

Last week while saving a pic from a google image, my display properties on the screen suddenly changed on me.

Before under the files, PDFs Icons, etc on my desktop screen ONLY the lettering showed. Now there has to be a colored background behind the lettering that is under each Icon, file, etc..

So how do I have it so there is no background color required again, and there is just the lettering only like before? BTW It was white lettering.


FYI, I have spent at least an hr in the last week in the settings, control panel, display area of the computer. And in the advanced section too. So a bit frustrated as all features there show a colored background for the lettering, which I do not want.

Thanks for the help,
Alan

 

Just in case you need a bit more info than the above:

As TonyT has suggested.....
1. Click on Start
1. Choose Control Panel
2. Click on System Icon
3. Choose the "Advanced" tab, click "Settings" under "Performance "
but the additonal step you may need....
4. Under the "Visual Effects" (which is tab I) Chose or check the "Use Drop Shadows for Icon Labels" option.

If that doesn't do it.....
Some have found that while clicking on blank area of desktop to bring up context menu>arrange desktop items>If lock desktop items is checked..uncheck it.

 

Thanks Tony and Ann.

But neither worked

Any other suggestions?

 

Hi h2ofwlr,
Are you using an active desktop? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_desktop Some wallpaper also use/require such. Use of active desktop can cause loss "transparent" icons.

If you wish to check if this is the case:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open the Display icon.
3. Click the Desktop tab.
4. Click the Customize Desktop button.
5. Click the Web tab in the Desktop Items window.

If you wish to enable the Active Desktop, check "My Current Home Page ". Add your current home page into your desktop or click New to add another web page and/or other Active Desktop features. To update the content, click the Synchronize button.
If you wish to disable Active Desktop, make sure all checkboxes in this window are un-checked.