Unable to use desktop backgrounds

This is probably a problem with a pretty simple solution, but I know absolutely nothing about computers. Anyway, a while back I had a virus on my pc and I found that the background on my computer had turned to solid blue. When I went to properties and clicked the "desktop" tab the list of backgrounds was frozen up and I couldn't click "browse" to find a new pic (the only thing I could do was choose a new colour). I guessed this was because of the virus.

I downloaded some new anti-virus software (the old one had expired or something and was trying to get me to pay for an upgrade - hence the infection), and got rid of the virus. I thought my desktop would be unlocked but it's still the same.

Can anyone tell me how to fix this? Thanks a lot for any help you can give.

Start -> Run -> type "gpedit.msc"

User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel -> Display -> Set "Prevent changing wallpaper" to disabled

Sorry for not replying, I sort of forgot this thread existed :p. Thanks for the help, but I still can't use backgrounds. I did what you said and "prevent changing wallpaper" was already disabled. Does anyone here use NOD anti-virus who has had this problem? I'm thinking that as it happened exactly as I got my first virus warning that NOD is responsible and disabled the background as some sort of safety measure maybe?

Anyway, thanks for the response, Ynot.

I use NOD32 and although I don't recall when I had my last virus since the majority really do take common sense, there are still those that crawl in via the browser in the most unexpected places without any downloads, however, in each of those cases NOD killed it at the source so I it's great, not to mention that an anti-virus wouldn't meddle with such system settings.

If you still can't change the background, you either still have a virus/adware that you haven't found or your previous encounter with one somehow severely damaged the system. So, if you can allow it, I'd suggest formatting and getting a clean Windows install. Who knows what other problems the system is experiencing that you simply haven't noticed.

Ok,
going to have to dive into the registry....

Start -> Run -> type "regedit"

this will open the registry editor

1. Goto

Code:

---

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop

---

If there is a value called "NoChangingWallPaper" at this location, delete it
If not, skip to step 2

2. Goto

Code:

---

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop

---

If there is a value called "NoChangingWallPaper" at this location, delete it
If not, skip to step 3

3. Goto

Code:

---

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

---

Now, this location may or may not exist
If the location exists, and there is a value called "Wallpaper" at this location, delete it
If not, then we've lost this round.....

If you did change anything
reboot, and see if it made any difference

Thanks a lot Ynot! Step 3 worked :goodjob2: - I nearly lost hope there for a minute :p. And thanks for your advice too Merlock.