How to restore Windows XP interface settings to defaults?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

A while ago I had a package of viruses/spyware/adware go on a romp through my
system. I got rid of them, but now there are a few things wrong with my
desktop. At first I couldn't change wallpapers (the selection box in display
properties was greyed out) and the text under icons had a border around it
rather than showing the wallpaper under. I found a registry key to enable the
wallpapers again, but now when I use a wallpaper that's larger or smaller
than my desktop in the stretch mode, it doesn't down/upsize smoothly,
creating that aliasing effect.

Can I somehow just restore all the view settings to defaults and start
fresh, or does anyone know of keys that solve the individual problems?

Thanks a bunch for your time.
 
Hi,

Right click on your desktop and select Properties - Desktop - Customize
Desktop - Web tab
and check "Lock Desktop Items", click Ok , and Apply.
 
That didn't seem to do anything. I thought that the lock desktop items check
box only prevented manipulation of web elements, should there be any (there
aren't any) on my desktop.
 
Right click My Computer - Properties - Advanced - Performance and put
the check mark in Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop is
also checked.
 
It was already checked. =/

Bert Kinney said:
Right click My Computer - Properties - Advanced - Performance and put
the check mark in Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop is
also checked.
Click to expand...
 
From 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.


--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


It was already checked. =/
 
=?Utf-8?B?Y2xpY2tuZXh0?= said:
A while ago I had a package of viruses/spyware/adware go on a romp through my
system. I got rid of them, but now there are a few things wrong with my
desktop. At first I couldn't change wallpapers (the selection box in display
Click to expand...

While one can remove viruses/trojans/spyware, with many utils, they dont
repair the damage they may have done. Best bet in the future, is NOT to
install the nasties in the first place. I'ts your choice.
 
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