Can't change desktop background after bogus virus infection warning

I'm running WinXP Pro and a problem just surfaced following one of those bogus virus infection warnings. My Desktop background changed from the Windows sky and grass picture, to solid blue. All my icons are there, and - so far - all my programs work fine.

I right-clicked on the desktop, then Properties, to get the Display Properties box. Then I selected Desktop. But I'm then unable to select or change the Background. It won't let me scroll within the Background box. I have a feeling one or more of the files that control the desktop background has become damaged or corrupted.

Without re-installing Windows, is there a way to repair this? Would doing a System Restore to an earlier date fix this?

Any help and guidance will be appreciated.

 

That sounds like a policy restriction setting.

Get Dial-A-Fix and run it. (Freeware)

Click the "Policies" button on the first screen.

It will show you if there are any policy restrictions in place and allow you to remove them as needed. It also has several other helpful features. Run it with all boxes checked to troubleshoot any obscure problems that defy any other remedy. If it doesn't work, no harm done. Chicken soup for the troubled computer.

You can also do an sfc /scannow to see if your files are OK. Be ready to supply the install CD if/when asked.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but how do I do an sfc scannow?

 

Not at all.

Click Start > Run and type sfc /scannow (note the space in that command following the sfc) and press enter or click OK. Allow plenty of time for completion as it will take several minutes. Be ready to supply the CD if/when asked.