Desktop always black?

[Soulreaper77]

So, don't know if this is the right section, remove it if it isn't.

My desktop is always black, can't change it to any other picture (locally stored or a web pic). I have a legit version of Windows XP PRO SP3.

This all started after I had a power outage a half hour ago. It first started with "Active desktop error (line 65, desktop.htt script error)" so I deleted desktop.htt (in safe-mode) since that file is remade when you re-login. Now I don't have that active desktop error anymore but everything is black instead. If I switch between a open window and the desktop I can see my background image for a second and then it goes all black again. I also use windowblinds 5.1 if that matters (I also tried unloading it but to no avail).

Anyone have any solutions?

[xShadow]

If I remember correctly, XP has an active desktop feature that puts your choice of a web page file over the actual current background. This is a really basic solution, but check that section of your desktop properties (right click, properties, if I remember right...) to see whether or not it's loading an active desktop over your actual desktop (it should have a tab of its own, but that may only be in W2K, I'm not sure). Chances are, it may just be loading a simple web page with a black background over your current background. Otherwise, it may be something in the visual settings.

But you've already probably tried this; I'm just giving a basic suggestion.

[Soulreaper77]

Ok, I've looked under desktop>properties>desktop>customize desktop>web and there was a check box with my current homepage but it wasn't checked and that homepage was about:blank so it was white. By adding a new address, a local address referring to a picture stored on my computer I was able to get this:



But as you can see portion of the screen is still black it isn't the same image as I've set as my background via the "Set as desktop background" option you get in every picture when you right-click it.

[BrownMasterV]

Uhmm...when you hit "set as desktop background," do you get a window like this:



Make sure it's on "stretch"

I have a feeling your problem isn't that simple >_>

[Soulreaper77]

That is when you want to resize a wallpaper. I can't even get one to show. That block you see on the right is a local webpage (picture) loaded over the desktop itself. The picture I have set as my background is what you see in the block on the left and the black part is my actual desktop so it should show the picture that is displayed on the left but it doesn't. If I expand/contract my start bar I can see it behind the black bg but for some reason I can't remove the black bg.

EDIT: Can anyone go to C:\Documents and Settings\(Current User)\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ and open desktop.htt with notepad and copy it here. To see that file you need to enable the option to view hidden folders and disable the option hide protected system operating files in windows explorer>tools>folder options.

[BrownMasterV]

Hmm...just curious...can you see any icons if you have any on your desktop?

[sapsa]

mayby not the best, add new user, copy his "config" files ? remove that user

[Soulreaper77]

Hmm...just curious...can you see any icons if you have any on your desktop?

I don't use desktop icons. Too ugly xD

This problem is solved now! It was as simple as relogging .... didn't try that yet -.-. Thanks for your interest and help though :3 *tosses cookies to everyone*