Set as desktop background not working

[Overment]

When I try to use a file from a folder on my hard drive such as My
Pictures for setting my background, right-clicking and selecting the
option results in nothing happening. I can, however, still do this
from a browser or do it through the display settings but the former
leaves all my shortcuts with an ugly background of whatever colour is
chosen, rather than being clear.
Can someone help with making the "set as desktop background" function
work, or at least tell me how to make the background of the shortcuts
clear. Thank you

 

[Guest]

If I understand correctly, you are getting boxes around the text below your
desktop shortcuts and you want the background image behind the text instead.
If so, follow these steps:
1. Open your system properties. [use windows key + pause/break or select
system from your control panel.
2. On the Advanced tab, choose Settings from the Performance area.
3. On the Visual Effects tab, choose Custom and click to place a checkmark
next to "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop".

 

[Rock]

When I try to use a file from a folder on my hard drive such as My
Pictures for setting my background, right-clicking and selecting the
option results in nothing happening. I can, however, still do this
from a browser or do it through the display settings but the former
leaves all my shortcuts with an ugly background of whatever colour is
chosen, rather than being clear.
Can someone help with making the "set as desktop background" function
work, or at least tell me how to make the background of the shortcuts
clear. Thank you

See if running the edit on Kelly's site helps:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Line 142: Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes

See the top of the page for info on running the edit.

For the icon background issue, four things are required for transparent icon
backgrounds:

1. Right click My Computer | Properties | Advanced tab | Performance
Settings | Visual Effects
Put a tic mark in "Use drop shadows for icon labels".

2. Right click a blank area of the 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: Right click a blank area of the Desktop |
Properties | Desktop tab | Customize Desktop | Web. Make sure all check
boxes are clear.

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