Disappearing desktop colour and pic.

[Kristal]

Until recently I was happily changing the colour of my desktop and adding a picture from My Pics or elsewhere AND THEY STAYED THERE. Recently, no matter which way I try, including a suggestion from an MS techie, they disappear.
Anyone have real input on this mystery?

[Mobius1]

Are you using WindowsXP? Does the picture and colour change the next time you load up your computer (i.e. after you've rebooted it) or does it change back whilst you're in the process of using it normally?

If it changes only when it's turned off and then back on again, you can try downloading a registry edit from here: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/sav esettings.reg

If you download and save that .reg file onto your PC, then double-click and confirm that you wish to import it into registry, it will force the PC to save your configuration settings when logging you on and off, which should solve the problem. That edit is designed for Windows XP though, so if you use another version like Vista, then you'll have to post back again.

[Kristal]

Many thanks Mobius1. Have Windows XP professional. It happens when I log off, then back on. Excellent input BUT on clicking the kellys-korner site you mention, just says 'Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00' with 5 inputs below and nothing to click on to download. Am I being obtuse?

[Mobius1]

Actually, you're not. I found that if I visited that link with Firefox browser, then I get what you just described. Try visiting the link using Internet Explorer (unless you did that already). You should find then that a download box appears and you have the option to save it as a registry file.

For some reason, Firefox and some other browsers seem to want just convert it into a text format. Post back with your results, or if you have any further difficulties.

[Kristal]

Mobius1 - Thanks for more help but the same happens via Explorer. Have tried kellys-korner site but wouldn't know where to start with so much content. Incidentally,my desktop is about 8 years old and really draggy. Can I prevail upon you to recommend a laptop in the around �3 - �400 range? I hardly do any downloading.

[Mobius1]

I've uploaded the file to MegaUpload. You can find it here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0NUZZFZP

If you follow that link, choose regular download and then wait the required 45 seconds, you should be able to download the file as a .reg file as it should be. I tried it in both my browsers and it worked. I certainly hope it works for you this time!

My forte isn't really laptops if I'm honest with you, so I'm hesitant to recommend anything in particular. If you're a light user, �400 will definitely get you a lot more laptop than it would have a few years ago though.