WinXP desktop is acting strangely - and I can't change it

[paulb_888]

Hello there!

Something strange is wrong with my WinXP's Desktop, and I have no idea
how the problem started. Here are a few of the symptoms:

1. RIGHT-CLICK NOT WORKING: I can't access the Desktop's right-click
menu that I formerly used to customize its look and feel. Therefore,
for example: my icons are stuck to the grid, and I can't move them
around freely (I used to work comfortably with "auto arrange", "snap to
grid", etc.) another problem: I can't change the
wallpaper/background... this menu has disappeared somewhere!

2. FLICKERING DESKTOP BACKGROUND: The background on my desktop
flickers back and forth, intermittently, between white and gray.
Whatever happened to the picture of my son? I wish I could bring it
back!

3. DISPLAY PROPERTIES NOT ACCESSIBLE: When I go to the Control Panel
and click on "Display", and choose the "Desktop" tab, I can't change
the Background (i.e. "Background", "Browse" button, etc. are GRAYED OUT
and I can *see* the list of different backgrounds, but cannot select
any of them!)

Anyways, these are some of the symptoms. Do you have any idea what the
problem might be... is there something I can reset, a file that is
corrupt, something I need to reinstall, or another possible solution
(hopefully not "reinstall Windows XP"!)... could it be a virus or
spyware (if so, is there a freeware product you could recommend)... I
would be VERY grateful for any help you can provide.

Many thanks, and have a great day!

Paul

 

[Malke]

Hello there!

Something strange is wrong with my WinXP's Desktop, and I have no idea
how the problem started. Here are a few of the symptoms:

1. RIGHT-CLICK NOT WORKING: I can't access the Desktop's right-click
menu that I formerly used to customize its look and feel. Therefore,
for example: my icons are stuck to the grid, and I can't move them
around freely (I used to work comfortably with "auto arrange", "snap
to
grid", etc.) another problem: I can't change the
wallpaper/background... this menu has disappeared somewhere!

2. FLICKERING DESKTOP BACKGROUND: The background on my desktop
flickers back and forth, intermittently, between white and gray.
Whatever happened to the picture of my son? I wish I could bring it
back!

3. DISPLAY PROPERTIES NOT ACCESSIBLE: When I go to the Control Panel
and click on "Display", and choose the "Desktop" tab, I can't change
the Background (i.e. "Background", "Browse" button, etc. are GRAYED
OUT and I can *see* the list of different backgrounds, but cannot
select any of them!)

Anyways, these are some of the symptoms. Do you have any idea what
the problem might be... is there something I can reset, a file that is
corrupt, something I need to reinstall, or another possible solution
(hopefully not "reinstall Windows XP"!)... could it be a virus or
spyware (if so, is there a freeware product you could recommend)... I
would be VERY grateful for any help you can provide.

Start by making sure the computer is virus/malware-free. Go through the
steps at the following link, doing all the preparatory work. All the
tools suggested are free:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

If the machine is clean, ask yourself the most important troubleshooting
question: what changed between the time things worked and the time they
didn't?

If the change was very recent - and you know the machine is
virus/malware-free - do a System Restore to when things worked.

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore
"Restore my computer to an earlier time"

Malke