Desktop settings will not stick in XP

Help please! I am running Windows XP (sp2) and have set my desktop configuration (screen resolution, icon placement, etc.). Everytime I have to re-boot the PC, the screen resolution defaults back to its old setting and my icons are in different places. With all my other machines, once you place the icons and set the screen resolution they stay fixed at those settings. Could it be my Nvidia display driver or my Viewsonic monitor that are causing these settings to not fix? Thanks for your time and help!

 

Hi, baileybr. Welcome to Windows BBS!

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DISCLAIMER/CAUTION: Editing/cleaning/repairing your computer's registry is potentially dangerous. You might render your computer unstable or even unbootable. Before you edit/clean/repair your registry with any method, be sure you make a backup of your registry and you know how to access and use that backup in case you muck up your computer.

If you decide to manually edit your registry, then be sure you are comfortable with editing the registry and I suggest you save a backup of at least the key you edit ahead of time in case you need/want to reverse your changes. Editing the registry can produce serious undesirable consequences if done incorrectly.

In any case, you should know ahead of time how to restore your original registry settings and prepare to do so in case the need arises.

• MVPS.org (Ramesh's Site): How to backup the Windows XP Registry?
• Microsoft KB322756: How to back up, edit, and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
• Symantec: Backing up the Windows registry

I also suggest you create a System Restore point before making any changes (regardless of what method you use). System Restore may be accessed as follows.

• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

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Possible Solutions to Your Problem:

• Kelly's Korner: Registry Edits for Windows XP "Tweaks and Tips "
  Carefully read the information at the top of that page and then scroll down to line 188: Add Save & Restore Desktop Layout to Menu
  
  • Click on the Add Save & Restore Desktop Layout to Menu link to download/save an iconlayout.ZIP file which contains an iconlayout.VBS script file and a LAYOUT.DLL file.
  • Extract those files to a folder.
  • Then double-click the layout.VBS script file to have it automatically edit your registry.
  • Then restart your computer.
  
  I'm guessing you should now be able to save your Desktop icon placements by right-clicking on an empty area of the Desktop and selecting "Save..." (or something similar).

I would be inclined to try the Kelly's Korner fix first.

• Advanced Horizons: Windows XP Tips Tricks Hints Information
  Scroll down to the "Desktop" section and follow the instructions to manually edit your registry.

Please follow up to let us know whether either/both of the suggestions above works for you or not. If you run into any difficulties, then please describe them with as much detail as possible.