Background

[Phixion2]

If I do that do I lose a lot of things then?

[nmX.Memnoch]

Try this:

Start > Run > gpedit.msc

Navigate your way to Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop > Active Desktop

Set Enable Active Desktop to Disabled.

Set Disable Active Desktop to Enabled.

Set Active Desktop Wallpaper to Disabled.

Those settings will disable (and remove) all of the Active Desktop settings from the Display Properties so you can't turn it on anymore. It should also fix your problem (may require a reboot).

[Phixion2]

Windows is unable to find that program, gpedit.msc doesn't appear to exist.

"Set Active Desktop Wallpaper to Disabled."

Does that mean I can also have no wallpaper?

Edited March 20, 2007 by Phixion2

[nmX.Memnoch]

You must be running XP Home. GPEDIT.MSC doesn't exist on XP Home.

And no, that wouldn't mean that you can't have a wallpaper. It would only mean that you wouldn't be able to use HTML files as a background.

Try setting both of these registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

NoActiveDesktop, DWORD 0x1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

NoActiveDesktop, DWORD 0x1

[Phixion2]

I am kind of a n00b on computer area, so what I did was run Regedit, and went through all the maps but there is no map called Explorer in Policies

[nmX.Memnoch]

Try the attachment. Since it's XP Home I don't know if the policies will be applied though. I don't have any XP Home machines to test against.

Again, this may require a reboot (or at least a logoff/logon) to take effect.

NoActiveDesktop.reg

[rajesh.kumar]

hope this might be helpful

Desktop_Tweaks.reg

Edited March 20, 2007 by rajesh.kumar

[dwarfer]

This happened to me and it turned out it was because I'd enabled high contrast mode in accessibility options which was weird as nothing was showing up in high contrast. Make sure all options in accessibility options are unchecked.

[Phixion2]

Everything is unchecked, and the above 2 .reg files didn't work either =/.

And after I added rajesh.kumar .reg thing it added the message: "Windows XP Home Edition Build2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.061219-0316 (Service Pack2)" to the bottom right of my desktop.

Any idea how to remove that?

Edited March 21, 2007 by Phixion2

[rajesh.kumar]

i had it to show the windows version on the desktop. u can remove it by,

; Show Windows Version and Build on Desktop

;0 = dont show

;1=show

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]

"PaintDesktopVersion"=dword:00000000

for ur problem, try choosing : rightclick myComputer-->Properties-->Advanced-->Settings Button under performance-->Visual Effects-->select "Let Windows choose whats best.....".

I noticed i had this same problem which i never minded cos i dont have anything except recyclebin in desktop.

Jeremy's hint worked for me when i unchecked it instead of checking it.

Edited March 22, 2007 by rajesh.kumar

[rajesh.kumar]

i strongly believe the solution could be in any of these two files or both together. i corrected the problem in my system and export the corresponding registry.

lm.reg

cu.reg

[Zxian]

Just a question... have you tried unchecking the box, and then rechecking it (in the Appearance properties)? It seems like a lot of the regtweaks and suggestions here are just for setting it, or making sure that it's checked. Sometimes Windows needs that little kick in the butt to get it to recognize a setting.

[Phixion2]

Checking and unchecking had the effect of making the squares light blue and screwing up some msn things.

; Show Windows Version and Build on Desktop

;0 = dont show

;1=show

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]

"PaintDesktopVersion"=dword:00000000

can someone explain what that means and how to do it>?

[rajesh.kumar]

save the following in a .reg file and doubleclick it to run and press ok.

this one will remove the win version display from the desktop right side bottom corner

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Show Windows Version and Build on Desktop
;0 = dont show
;1=show
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"PaintDesktopVersion"=dword:00000000

[blackmodder]

I am having some problems with the background of my computer. Me or someone else must have accidently clicked something and now I have blue squares around the letters on the desktop.

As you can see on the picture above, there are dark blue squares around everything. Is it possible to remove it, because it ruins my wallpapers?

I'll done it on my Pc like this:

Rght Click on "My Computer" from the "Start" menu and then go to "Advanced" >and under the Performance tab i've pressed the Settings tab ,and at the "Performance Options" window at Visual Effects i've selected Adjust for Best Apearrence. After that the blue squares dissapeard. Hope to work same to you and please excuse me by my english I still had some gramatical problems with.