Many times Windows users face a strange problem. When they try to change the desktop wallpaper from Desktop Properties, following things happen:
- Wallpaper list as well as Browse button is disabled.
- You apply the desired wallpaper but desktop doesn't show it. It remains empty.
So if you are also facing such problems, then this tutorial will help you in fixing the issue:
Method A:
Right-click on Desktop and make sure "Lock Web Items on Desktop" option is not enabled in "Arrange Icons by" menu. If its enabled, then disable it and your problem should be solved.
Method B:
If Method A doesn't work, then do as following:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to following keys one by one:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

2. Under these keys, if you see "ActiveDesktop" key, delete it.
3. Now Look for "System" key under "Policies" key. If you find it, then select it and look for a string value "Wallpaper" in right-side pane. If it exists, then delete it.
4. Restart your system and you should be able to set the wallpaper.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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Tamilvendhan
It works great...
I changed my wall in my office PC.
Tankz
ruby
HiVG!
I followed your advice, but could not find these keys in
the registry.
I have tried so much in the last few days.
My operation system is win 7 home premium.
thanks in advance
VG
^^ Please post the DWORD values names which you see in right-side pane under these keys.
ruby
Hello VG!
with many thanks for your reply.
This is my problem.
on all three regedit I got this: name; ab(default):
type: reg 5z : date Value not set.
whenever I click to look at a new wallpaper it just goes to
my wallpaper folder. now there is so much there, I try to remove,
some, but to no avail.
I used the method A on your site. but that did not help, as of now
it has held on to one picture and would not move.
I can take snapshots of the registry result if that would give you a
better understanding of the problem;
hoping to hear soon;
Ruby
VG
^^ Yes. Please post screenshots of the registry keys.
ruby
hello VG!
I have failed,
I have been trying for hours to get these,
filles to you, I have been going from win7 to vista.
and back again, every time I think of something to try.
(would you believe 7 hours)
perhaps you can let me know how it is done.
I cannot get these files onto this page.
I wish I could, I can give you the only answer.
I've already given you. this is what shows in the registry,
on the right side: under name (default); under type regsz:
under data (value not set)i.m truly xorry zbout this
rgards
ruby
VG
^^ Right-click on each key mentioned in this topic and select "Export". It'll save the keys info in a .REG file. Copy content of each file and paste here.
ruby
Hello VG!
I did not get through,
I exported the reg keys they were OK
I was able to copy, but not paste, I could not
open either.I tried print that opened a page with some text.
I of course could not understand it.
and it was very large.
I did not try to copy and paste this.
again I think I tried everything I could think of.
I feel very embarrassed about this.
I could just hear you thinking "how did this person get on my site"
best regards
Ruby
VG
^^ No mate. I'm always here to help everyone as much as I can. Right-click on those files one by one and select "Edit" option. In this way, it'll open the file in Notepad. Now you can copy the text and paste here.
DK
Delete below file in windows and
C:\Users\"Your username"\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes\TranscodedWallpaper.jpg