Windows XP desktop wallpaper won't display?

Not an earth-shattering problem, I know, but irritating. I periodically change the picture (of course) and this time I put up a bitmap image I scanned onto my computer. I've not had trouble with these before as wallpaper, that I can remember at least. It's been on there for months and I just picked it and used it.

It displayed when I selected it, but when I shut down and turned it on again later, all I got was the background color. If I switch pictures, I still only have the background color. If I manage somehow to get a picture there, it will be gone when I turn the computer on the next time. If I leave it as is until I finish using the machine, I will suddenly see the picture later on, but only for the duration of the shut-down sequence, as if it was under there all along, so to speak. I tried refreshing the desktop and had no change.

I've had stupid wallpaper problems before, getting the wrong one displayed, or changing mine alone, only to find another user's has spontaneously changed to the same thing. I can't rule out user error, but danged if I know what I could have done to make the machine figure the selected wallpaper should be "covered" by the background.

Dylan2008-08-13T23:15:25Z

Favorite Answer

If you want to change a file to a normal picture type and not bitmap, then open it with paint. Then click "Save As" then use the bar under your selected name to choose a differant file type. :)

madmike2008-08-13T23:23:08Z

Make sure Active desktop is not enabled
by right clicking on desktop> properties> desktop tab> click on customize desktop> go to Web tab> and make sure my current home page is not selected.
Click on start menu> then on RUN and type
gpedit.msc
Browse to this point
User configuration>Administrative templates>Desktop>active desktop
on the right pane double click "Disable Active desktop" and enable it.
Double click on"Allow only bitmapped wallpaper" and disable it.
Double click on "ACtive Desktop Wallpaer" and Check if their are any entries, if their are just make them not configured.

If this does not help , download this
http://www.wikiupload.com/download_page.php?id=52351
double click on it and add to registry , restart and put new wallpaper.

liguori2016-10-12T06:32:55Z

visit the demonstrate properties field (you need to comprehend a thank you to get there), choose the own computer tab and them choose 'customize own computer'. choose the information superhighway tab and verify not something is ticked. It appears like the history wallpaper is changing, yet something is shifting into that's way and that's what you're seeing, not the rather wallpaper itself. desire that helps!