Windows Vista 1280x800 wallpaper loading tiny

Every 1280 x 800 desktop wallpaper I choose loads onto my desktop as a thumbnail. What do I need to set or re-set?

I am running Vista on a Dell Inspiron 1525. Please note that I am a beginner!

 

If you are not doing it this way, right-click on a blank space on the desktop, select Personalize -> Desktop Background. Try selecting the pictures there.

 

Thanks for writing, mattman.

When I right-click on my desktop and go to "personalize," I can only download the stock photos provided by Vista. I have photos in My Pictures, but when I try to use them as my desktop wallpaper (still in "personalize" mode), the pictures do not fill out my screen.

What step am I missing?

 

The trick I used to use was to find the wallpapers folder and copy the image I wanted for my wallpaper there. Don't know if it still works, though.

Also, here's a quick set of instructions on how to do it without copying images all over the place.

 

Thanks, CUISTech. Even when I choose one of the stock photos, I still get an eensy picture on my desktop.

But I really want to use one of my own photos. In the article you posted in the link, it says "...click on browse and Windows will take you to your pictures folder. Choose which one you like, click, and Vista does the rest. "

No, it doesn't do the rest. That's the crux of the problem It is no longer converting ANY picture to the 1280x800 configuration.

So, where to I go to tell it to make the photos the right size? It has been performing this function for me up until about a month ago. Sort of the same time when the pps files when on strike.

 

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&num=100&q=vista+wallpaper+does+not+stretch&btnG=Search

 

In your other thread you said you uninstalled Google Desktop. Check in Control Panel -> Programs and Features that there are no other related wallpaper or background related programs (for example, the Google Desktop Wallpaper Slideshow plugin).

 

Do you have any Themes installed? Uninstall them.

Go to Personalize -> Themes and set a standard Windows one.

 

Just thinking out loud but............

Hmmm, wonder if google plugins could also be related to recent pps complications.

 

The desktop problem pre-dated the Google plug-ins. I have deleted all things Google in My Programs. I do use the igoogle homepage, however, and have had it forever.

I am using an old homepage theme I've had since I set up the computer last November, so I'm thinking that's probably not the issue.

The problem is that I DON'T WANT THE STOCK PHOTOS for my desktop. I want to use a picture I have saved. Even so, the stock photos have been loading tiny as well. (See my post of two days ago).

I saved the page you linked up, goddez1. I will study it tomorrow. I have a feeling I will be needing it.

Now, check this out: I ran my C: Cleaner a couple of days ago, and after that I tried using the picture in my file for my desktop, and voilà. It appeared full-screen! So, whatever it was causing the problem may be gone now, although I couldn't tell from the analysis of the files what might have been the culprit. Needless to say, I haven't tried another of my photos yet; let sleeping dogs lie.

So, I appreciate all of the contributions. I lucked upon a solution -- pure dumb luck! Y'all are great to stick with me through all of my Vista problems, but I think I might be done for a while. <knocks wood>

Thank you!

 

That's good noclue . Thanks for letting us know.

Just one point:

If it's just a matter of changing one setting, testing, and changing back again (at least on something simple), it is worth a try. Whatever is wrong, it may "reset" it.

Matt

 

Which setting?

 

I am just speaking in general. If you change from your old theme to a standard Windows one it could have the effect of resetting whatever is not working. That's one of the main themes in troubleshooting a problem, change a setting, test, and change it back if it doesn't work.

Matt

 

Oh, groan! I may have to try it another time, mattman. I am exhausted from the two weeks of fiddling around that I've been doing.

Still, that's very good information to know. I would never have thought of that. Thank you. Now, if I can just remember it...

 

How do I put this? You seem to have fixed the problem! My suggestion

is a troubleshooting method you can use.

Don't say "it never happened before I started having the problem...therefore I think trying your suggestion won't work ", quote

I am saying try it if it doesn't seem to be a destructive suggestion...it won't hurt and it may reset whatever is not working.

Matt