Blue text behind icons

[Andrew]

I recently got a spyware infection and after removal my desktop icons now
have a blue background behind the text label. I found two possible fixes
using Google:

1) Enable drop shadows
2) Disable lock icons to desktop

Both my settings where as required by the fixes so that wasn't the answer.

The spyware infection was the one that changes the desktop wallpaper to one
that states 'Spyware Detected' etc etc. I think it was a coolwebsearch
variant and it proved troublesome to remove.

I suspect a registry key has been deleted. Can anybody tell me what registry
key sets the background icon colour to transparent so that I can see the
desktop through it.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Keith Miller]

Four things are required for transparent icon backgrounds:

1) 'System Properties' -> 'Advanced' tab -> Performance 'Settings' -> 'Visual Effects' tab:
"use drop shadows for icon labels..." must be checked

2) Right-click on Desktop -> 'Arrange Icons by' -> "Lock Web items..." must be CLEARED

3) If you have any web content on your desktop, transparency won't work.

To check for web content: Display Properties > Desktop tab > Customize Desktop button > Web tab > make sure all checkboxes are clear.

4) Wallpaper must be an image file, not html.

Keith