Get Windows 7′s “Desktop Background SlideShow” Feature in XP and Vista Using Microsoft’s Official “Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer” Powertoy

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Who said "Desktop Background SlideShow" is a new feature in Windows 7? Did you know Microsoft once released a similar powertoy for Windows XP?

"Desktop Background SlideShow" is a feature present in Windows 7 which allows you to set more than one wallpaper for your Desktop. Windows automatically cycles through the selected wallpapers after a fixed period of time. You can set the wallpapers and time period using Desktop Personalization menu.

If you want a similar feature for Windows XP or Vista, here is something interesting for you! In 2003, Microsoft introduced "Winter Fun Packs 2003" for Windows XP which included following components:

  • Windows Media Player 9 Series
  • Windows Movie Maker 2
  • Digital Photography
  • Games

Windows_XP_Winter_Fun_Pack_2003.png

The "Digital Photography" section contained following components:

  • Winter Fun Photo Screensaver
  • Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer
  • Holiday Greeting Card Templates
  • Photo Story 2 LE

Windows_XP_Winter_Fun_Pack_2003_2.png

The important thing which we need is "Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer" which can bring Windows 7's "Desktop Background SlideShow" feature to Windows XP and Vista.

"Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer" allows you to set any desired folder for Desktop background SlideShow. Once you select the folder, it starts cycling through all the wallpapers present in that folder and its sub-folders.

It also allows you to set any particular single wallpaper for your Desktop.

The minimum time interval can be set to 15 minutes and can be increased upto 1 week.

Winter_Fun_Wallpaper_Changer.png

You can download "Winter Fun Packs 2003" using following link:

Download "Winter Fun Packs 2003"

Simply install the pack in Windows XP or Vista and launch "Winter Fun Packs 2003" from startmenu. Select "Digital Photography" from the list and there you can launch "Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer".

UPDATE: You can also download the "Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer" powertoy separately using following links:

Download "Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer" Powertoy

Direct Download Link

Thanks to our readers "Harry" and "Geo" for sharing these links....

It sits in system tray and allows you to change various settings using context menu.

TIP: If you copy the main "WinterWalltoy.exe" file from "%programfiles%\Windows XP Fun Pack\Winter 2003\WinterPowerToy" folder to any other system, it'll run without any problem and you would not need to install the whole Winter Fun Pack.

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This article was posted by in following section: Software, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

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