active desktop recovery

i need help with this one my computer keeps telling to recover my active desktop but when i try to it won't let me...
please help

 

Hi sprtsfn193,

Common fixes if not caused by malware and a scan/cleanup is needed:

This can usually be fixed by deleting the desktop.htt file: (it is a hidden file so you will need to change your "folder options" settings to allow the viewing. See* at bottom of thread.)
1. Start explorer

2. Move to %systemroot%\Profiles\<your username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer or C:/Documents and Settings/Your username/Application Data/Microsoft/Internet Explorer/Desktop.htt

3. Select Desktop.htt and delete or rename it to Desktop.htt.old (Desktop.htt will be recreated) . Please note, it is only the specific file Desktop.htt that you are to rename/delete. Leave all other desktop.* alone.

4. Close Explorer

5. Right click on the desktop and choose Refresh

If not yet fixed try changing your screen resolution back and forth or your
Desktop Wallpaper:
1. Right click on your desktop
2. Select properties - settings tab
3. Change your screen resolution
4. Confirm by okay
5. Change the screen resolution to the desired setting
6. Confirm by okay

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
#16 Active Desktop - Enable or Disable
#295 Lift Active Desktop Restrictions
#402 Restore Active Desktop - IE7 Remove
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If the above is not helpful.....

Please expand on your description:

What procedure or steps are you using to restore "active desktop "? What happens when you do so?

What were you using "active desktop" to display, wallpaper or webpage goddie?

In an effort to establish whether you have become prey for a critter, such as malware which can also cause this issue, what happened prior to losing the active desktop in the first place? What's on the desktop now?
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* Before searching for a file or folder, make sure these folder option view settings are in place:
*Go to My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>View tab
*Under the Hidden files and folders heading:
*Select Show hidden files and folders.
*Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
*Also, make sure there is no check mark beside Hide file extensions for known file types.
* Click OK. (Remember to Hide files and folders once done)