Can we change the desktop wallpaper in windows XP using Registry

[sridatta]

Hi Guyz...

I tried to change my desktop wallpaper by replacing the registry key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper

but.. no matter which wall paper has been set, the key value remains same i.e. "C:\Documents and Settings\Sridatta Chegu\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp"

also.. i couldnot find any .bmp files in the above folder path.

I also tried to change the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ConvertedWallpaper
which contain the exact file path of the current wall paper.. but it didnot work

Plss help me out.

Thanks

[Vishal Gupta]

Did u set the value of HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper to a BMP file address?
Coz u can set oinly BMP files as wallpaper, otheriwse windows automatically convert those images into BMP file and its saved at C:\Documents and Settings\Sridatta Chegu\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp.

[sridatta]

ye.. i tried all the possiblitites.. even then.. the wall paper is not changing...

[Vishal Gupta]

ConvertedWallpaper contains the path to the JPG or other format files, which r converted to BMP when U apply them as wallpaper!
U can change the wallpaper directly by changing the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper key! It works for me!

[sridatta]

When i changed the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper
my desktop backgnd didnot change even if i set a bmp image

when i right click my desktop and browse properties, then i observe the new wall paper there in desktop tab. but my desktop background is still the same old one..

did i miss any other steps ???

[Vishal Gupta]

Tell me one thing!
Are u able to change the desktop wallpaper using other methods, like right-clicking on the image and select "set as wallpaper" or from Desktop properties?

[sridatta]

ya, i m able to change through other methods.
I m writing a code in batch file in which i need to change the wallpaper through command line. I was able to change the registry keys but the wall paper is not changing.. so i m trying 4 that..

[Vishal Gupta]

OK! Now I got it...
Try to change the value of OriginalWallpaper to the BMP path...

[sridatta]

Ya.. i changed the value of OriginalWallpaper and the Wallpaper.. but the wall paper didnot change instantaneously...
But...When i tried to hide my icons and show them again.. then the wallpaper has changed... The wallpaper has changed even after restarting the system.. But it is not changing instantaneoulsy...

[Vishal Gupta]

It means now the wallpaper is changing!
To change them instantaneously, give following command:

RUNDLL32.EXE USER32.DLL,UpdatePerUserSystemParameters ,1 ,True

[sridatta]

Vishal.. I have done it.. U r really superb.. very thank u 4 ur help..
bye

Vishal.. I have one more query to ask...
If i dont want to allow the user to change the wallpaper.. is there ny way to do that..??

[Vishal Gupta]

Try this!
In regedit, goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer

In right-side pane, create DWORD value NoChangingWallpaper and set it to 1

[sridatta]

The attachment shows the right side part of the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
I have added the key as you said but i m unable to change the wallpaper.. do i need to do anything else..?

[Vishal Gupta]

Thats what the key does!
It restricts the user to change the wallpaper!

[sridatta]

sorry vishal.. i am able to change to change the wallpaper even after adding the key...
it was a typographical error.. really very sorry..

[Vishal Gupta]

OK!
Try this: In

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System

Create a String value Wallpaper and change its value to the location of any BMP file, u want. After that only the wallpaper u set in the value is displayed!

[sridatta]

Vishal.. once more.. i have succeded... and hence u too
thank u once again....

one small note.. no matter what value u type in the key.. the desktop tab is disabled in display properties and the current wallpaper cannot be changed.

the prlbm is solved. moderators please close the thread

[Vishal Gupta]

U r welcome!

U can also disable the Desktop tab, by going to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System

And in right-side pane, create a DWORD value NoDispBackgroundPage and set its value to 1.

And if u want to disable the Whole Properties dialog box, so that the user can't access it by right-clicking on desktop & select Properties. Goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\System

And create DWORD value NoDispCPL and set its value to 1