Desktop turned blank

[Guest]

I am a Windows XP user and was hit by a virus which turned my desktop's
background image to blank as well as created this smaller bizarre block of
black and 'image repeating' rectangle in the center of the screen. Since
running a second virus scan and deleting infected files and programs,
everything seems to be back to normal. However, the background remains blank
on the desktop. The icons, tool bar are still there. I see the original
background image as the computer reloads, but then it turns blank and stays
blank. I tried turning off System Restore to reboot and still doesn't work.
I also 'Google(d)' on the internet and found suggestions about enabling
'Active Desktop' which I couldn't find. Any suggestions to recovering the
desktop image?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

I had the same problem. I found a solution from a thread below title
"Desktop background hidden"

In reply Rock wrote:

"Go to Display Properties. Right click on a blank area of the desktop |
Properties | Desktop | Customize Desktop | Web | Untic any objects under
"Web pages", and untic "Lock desktop items". Ok out.

 

[Guest]

Thanks b-talon. I received a removal tool from a McAfee expert which cleared
the problem. Otherwise, I believe the solution you suggested would have also
worked. However, I'm still concerned regarding opened files on the desktop
being duplicated in the History folder. I don't think the spyware problem on
my computer is completely resolved yet. Do you have any suggestions?

Zopazopa

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

<kibbitz>
Given that you state a possibility of still more spyware/malware......
you should do a number of other checks for "malware".
See The Parasite Fight Quick Fix Protocol at <http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm>

Also, You can run a free online antivirus & security check at Trendmicro
http://housecall.trendmicro.com