Resolved [Can't change desktop background - "Apply" button grayed out]

I am trying to change the picture on the desk top in Windows XP home.
the picture is in the drop down list in the display function and it shows in the pre view. However, the apply button is grayed out and nothing changes when I click on OK.
I have looked at older posts and used the search function, but I have not come across a similiar problem.

 

Is this the only picture that's giving you the problem or you can't select any of them ?

 

I have not tried to change the back ground with the pre-installed ones, but they show up in the pre view and the apply button is not grayed out. Right now I am away from that computer, I will be back tomorrow. Thanks for replying so quick.

 

The pre installed desk top wall papers do not work either. I tried to follow the steps I found on http://www.tech-pro.net/how-to-change-desktop-wallpaper.html, but I am not experienced enough to fiddle with the registry. On another note how do you back up the registry and use it if something goes awry?

 

See How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP

 

Thanks, I should have searched first before posing the question.

 

Once you have learned to backup registry and have done so, this site will help with registry editing.
Try downloading and running the reg file on this page. Line 142, right side.
Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes
Save it to your hard drive and double click on it to run it.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Kellys Korner is well known and recommended here often for xp problems. Check out other links to reg patches. It's been a while since even I have read through these.

Also malware maybe a factor and you'll have to eliminate this as a possibility.

 

Thank you, I shall follow the recommended steps and report back when I have succeeded in doing these steps.

 

Inserting the registry key located on Kelly's Korner web site did not work. This is my sister's computer and before I did any work I ran the malwarebyte scan and the Superantispyware scan. The Malwarebyte scan revealed about 120 issues and the Superantispyware scan about 80 issues. She had someone else working on it some time ago thus I do not know if the problem stems from that time.The computer is a HP
a1209n, 3.06 GHZ 1 MB RAM OS Windows XP home

 

Recommend reading this post, then posting the requested log(s) in our Malware and Virus Removal forum.

If you are still having the same problem after being given a clean bill of health from one of our malware experts, then please return to this thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).

 

I found the reason for the gray out.

I was trying to help my sister via logmein.com After a few miss communications She told me that she had the picture already as back ground, but I could not see it from my computer. After she told me this, I went on another computer in our home and made contact with my computer and discovered that my background was black, whereas I had a picture of a bright red sunset.
Thank you all for the replies.

 

But this doesn't mean its the end of it.

A visit to Malware & Virus Removal forum is highly recommended, but its your call.

 

Believe it or not

Before I started to help her, I installed the Malwarebytes. the Superantispyware and S & D spy-bot and ran all the scans first. For some reason she had a problem with her e mail and the Tech from Verizon told her to have all the programs taken off because their McAfee security system would take care of all problems. See part of the e mail below.



----- Original Message -----
From: C
To: joop@shaw.ca
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 6:58 PM
Subject: remove all security system....as per Verizon personnel....please. right away..is causing machine not to be able to send or receive. I have Verizon on line.

 

I bet McAfee was installed as per plan of Verizon.

Malwarebytes, SuperAntispyware & Spybot don't have to be run all the times. Just scan with them once a week.

But now that she is infected, I would prefer to get the computer cleaned.

 

Yes, I explained that to her because I do those scans once a week. However, since I have very limited skills with computers, she believes the Tech from Verizon, thus I did as requested and now I wash my hands from it.