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"Windows 7" Color Scheme is missing from "Change the color scheme" menu

Anonymous
2011-01-28T00:16:43+00:00

I restarted my netbook once after trying unsuccessfully to change my background, and suddenly the taskbar, the start menu, and all the windows that I bring up look old, like Windows 98-style. I searched "themes" and got "Change the color scheme" on a result. All that was there was "Windows Classic" and four "High Contrast" options. I searched the problem, and one solution I found was to do EXACTLY what I did... except on the menu they showed, there was a "Windows 7 Basic" color scheme option on the same menu. I'm assuming it was deleted from the color scheme menu somehow; is there any way to restore it?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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@CmdrKeene 90,626 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2011-01-30T05:23:29+00:00

Hey Jordan,

I know that this could be resolved more easily if you had access to the Personalization gallery to choose the Basic theme.  Unfortunately this is not included in Windows 7 Starter.  My best solution for you right now would be System Restore, to roll your system configuration "back in time" to before the issue began.

Please note that System Restore only restores backup copies of key system files, and running a System Restore will not lose or 'roll back' any of your files, emails, documents, pictures, or anything else.  In addition, if you run the Restore and don't like the results for any reason, you can undo it immediately.  The entire Restore takes about 3 minutes.

To get Started, type the word 'Restore' in your Search box of your Start menu.

If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-01-28T21:35:58+00:00

    When I ran the command, a small black window popped up for a millisecond and then disappeared, and then the theme was still absent from the list. I rebooted the computer and it continued not to work...

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-28T21:36:52+00:00

    WillTell,

    I've rebooted about fifteen times, and the "unable to change background" thread was not the problem I was concerned about here... thank you for trying, though

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  3. @CmdrKeene 90,626 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2011-01-28T04:11:55+00:00

    Press Windows-R to open the Run dialog box, then type this command:  net start themes

    When you run that command, it should start the Theming system and restore the basic theme.  Please let me know the result.

    If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-01-28T00:51:45+00:00

    Have you rebooted?

    A search of the forums produced this thread:

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7desktop/thread/417c4620-26b7-48fb-a77a-6666df8d4bc3

    HTH

    If I brought you Joy, cast your Vote! If I answered your question, click, Propose As Answer! >WT<

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