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You CAN change the wallpaper for Windows 7 starter edition!!!

Anonymous
2010-02-26T23:39:08+00:00

This is the step by step way to change the wallpaper for windows 7 starter. Was windows really stupid enough to believe that no one was ever going to figure this out!!

Added by Moderator:

Warning: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk. See **How to back up the registry**

Step by Step: 1. Open regedit (aka registry editor; you can access it from the star menu by typing “regedit” in the search box…) 2. Go to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\” folder and click on it 3. On the right hand side find there are a bunch of entries. Find the key named “wallpaper” and double click on it and put the path of the picture you want as your new wallpaper (example path is “C:\Users\Bob\Pictures\new_wallpaper.jpg”) 4. Right-click on the “Desktop” folder in regedit that you found in step 2 and click Permissions. 5. Click “Advanced” 6. Go to “Owner” tab, highlight your name in the box that says ‘Change owner to’ ( There are only two choices the other is Administrator )… once your user name is highlighted click “OK” 7. Click on “Advanced” again 8. Uncheck the button that reads “Include inheritable permissions from the object’s parent”… click “Remove” when prompted 9. Click “Add” 10. Type “Everyone” and click “OK” 11. Check Allow “Read Control” and click “OK” 12. Click “OK” again 13. Highlight “Everyone” and check to Allow “Read” and click “OK” 14. Restart Computer and enjoy new Wallpaper

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-04T05:01:24+00:00

    Hi all,

    A *much* easier way is to download Oceanis. Many visitors to this forum with this problem have been extremely happy with this workaround. There's also an desktop slideshow (shuffle) available. It's a snip to download, it's safe and it's free. You can get it here:

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/47294-desktop-background-change-windows-7-starter.html

    All the best,

    Sharon


    Sharon Roffey

    Queensland, Australia

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-11-09T13:06:05+00:00

    As Microsoft says this:

    Note

    Windows 7 Starter edition comes with one desktop background, which can't be changed or customized.

    In the URL: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Personalize-your-computer

    So, if you really do not want to screw up your OS, do not attempt such hack.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-04T04:40:09+00:00

    Hey Shelby,

    Thanks for the post! it was very helpful in setting my own background :) however; now that i've changed it once i find that i am unable to change my background to anything else,  I keep getting an error saying: "error writing the value's new contents"

    any help with this would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-04-10T00:14:23+00:00

    I did step 1, entered regedit into the search box. then step two but on step three there was no option for wallpaper. help please

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-27T13:29:31+00:00

    Hi Shelby Walters,

    Thank you for sharing the steps about changing the wallpaper, this might be helpful for other forum users.


    Thanks and Regards:

    Swathi B - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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