Restore Active Desktop Not Working ?

If you use a Windows XP machine then there is very little chance that you have never seen the phrase “Restore Active Desktop” inplace of your wallpaper. This usually happens due to improper shutdowns (like power failure or some device failure that may cause the computer to shutdown) or when some application or windows itself gets confused and triggers the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).

Active Desktop

Many a times when this happens it is most likely that the instructions given dont answer your current situation, like Your answer to all these is no i never did any of these

Did you recently change your background to a web page?

Did you recently add a new item to your Active Desktop?

Do you want to turn off your Active Desktop?

but you might have done this

Did your browser stop working, or did you restart your computer without shutting it down first?

There are situations where none of the cases match and worse the Restore my Active Desktop button doesnot work!! It just tells you that a script error has occured. How do you loose this ugly instruction screen and get back your wallpaper now??

One way is to open some image and set it as a wallpaper or if you dont want to spend time looking for a new picture as a wallpaper and want your previous wallpaper to comeback follow the setps below:

  1. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop and click Properties
  2. In Display Properties change to the Desktop tab, where you will see a monitor image with your wallpaper and the list of images below it
  3. Choose any other image in the list than the one currently selected and then select the original image used as wallpaper and click Ok, your wallpaper is back! ( To make this step simpler just selct the image above or below the currently selected one and then select the original image then click Ok )

You are done. You should now see your wallpaper instead of the Restore my Desktop instructions.

156 comments ↓

#1 Jared Boggs on 10.24.07 at 9:17 am

I’m having a similar problem with my PC desktop. But I can’t use this aid because when I right click on the screen, and go to properties, it didables my actions. Please help me I’m begging.

#2 admin on 11.06.07 at 1:51 am

that might be because of the user privileges being limited by your administrator(s)

#3 Shirley on 11.09.07 at 1:35 pm

What if you did that and your screen just went grey. Now when you go to the Properties and try to change it, The background options is disabled.

#4 TOMMY on 11.09.07 at 6:24 pm

consult tech guy re problem brilliant help regards fireman tommy

#5 Mel on 11.15.07 at 6:21 pm

I changed the desktop, but now there are no icons and when you try to put them back on, it acts like it does it but there is no new icon. The desktop is somewhere and I need to know where.

#6 admin on 11.15.07 at 10:56 pm

i think you chose to hide your desktop icons, to view the icons right click on the desktop and goto arrange icons and make sure ‘View Desktop Icons’ is ticked, if not click on it

#7 Rik Evans on 11.27.07 at 8:42 am

If you have installed IE7 you are guaranteed to get a script error for this action.

The above advice will not work if you are on a security enabled windows 2003 domain. The only fix then is to perform a registry edit for the individual user.

Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.

All we need now is for Microsoft to actually fix the issue as none of this helps with a terminal server with full Group Policy restrictions on running regedit as a user – 3 reboots are necessary to fix the issue which is no use on a server used 24hrs a day by remote users.

#8 [email protected] on 12.06.07 at 12:22 am

You cannot intiate a remote desktop connection because
the windows logon software on the computer has been
replaced by incompatible software TCGina.dll .

To correct this problem, please habe the administrator
of the remote computer contact the program vendor for
a version that is compatible with windows,

#9 Stephy118 on 12.08.07 at 8:34 pm

my active desktop and start menu is gone and its not because its at the bottom of my screen its completely gone and i cant right click the background it wont let me please help :(

#10 john on 12.26.07 at 6:50 am

im having the same problem.the computer loads the start menu then the desktop items then the screen turns grey then turns white and their is a link that says restore active desktop which does absolutely nothing. then everything dissapears for a while then comes back for a while so you got to be quick.I don’t know how to fix it completly but i can go online by holding down the control key and then press the n key while holding the control key.this should take you to your web page you visited last.You can also try this,hold down control key then the delete key then the alt key.Make sure each key is pressed at the same time.then a box pops up.on the the box click on task manager.A new box should pop up.On the new box click applications then click switch to at the bottom of the box.If you want your desktop items and downloads and my computer instead of going to switch to go to new task witch is right next to it.another small box should pop up.delete whats in the box and type: explorer.exe then click ok.your desktop items should appear.let me know if any of this worked.good luck

#11 don on 01.04.08 at 8:42 am

worked a treat! thanks.

#12 Wolf Song on 02.04.08 at 6:18 pm

In active desktop .. show web content is disabled and then greyed out so i can’t re-enable it thereby totally keeping me from changing my wallpaper. Where d I go to re-enable web content so i can add wallpaper once again to my desktop? As a sidenote I did disable some services but I highly doubt this is what happened. I also recently removed several programs I no longer needed on this computer. I did a windows update and checked to see if there were any previous updates missing .. all is where on this front. Can someone help me? My husband is going nuts, he inherited this computer from me when I got my new one and really wants his nascar wallpaper there lol .. Please help save my sanity!

#13 Sanjeev kumar on 03.03.08 at 12:18 am

i hv lost my desktop. whenever i click on RESTORE MY ACTIVE DESKTOP following msg comes:
An error has occured on the script of this page

Line : 65
Character: 1
Error: Object doesn’t support this actoin.
Code:0
URL: file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Abhishek/Application%20Data/Microsoft/Internet%20Explorer/Desktop.htt
Do u want to continue running scripts on this page?

Nothing happens even if i click yes or no.
can u give any solution

when i right clik on desktop and then on properties it shows the message (the operation has been cancelled due to restriction in effect on this computer.
please help me out!!!

#14 Brett on 03.17.08 at 7:56 pm

“Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.”

I did all this and it didnt stop the problem. My desktop keeps disapearing then coming back momentarily then disapearing again. It does this about 10 – 12 times, then disapeares for good and leaves me with just my dexktop picture and nothing else. I cant use the kayboard or the mouse – except to ctrl-alt-delete. This happenes with all users and it is erratic. Sometimes i can get 10 minutes before it starts, and sometimes it starts straight away and i cant use computer at all.

Only been happening about 3 days and since i bought WD external hard drive. I didnt install hardware and have unplugged it since this started.

HELP ME I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO

#15 Joel on 04.06.08 at 11:06 pm

Thanks your advice sorted my problem out!

#16 Mariusz on 04.11.08 at 3:25 am

I have the same problem as John and Brett – which seems to be a result of a virus infection, subsequenty “healed” by AVG. One more problem is, however, that my Windows Task Manager tells me, it has been disabled by the administrator, that is – me, which I have not done. Help PLEASE!

#17 Mariusz on 04.11.08 at 3:29 am

A follow-up to my previous post: all the desktop icons have disappeared including those on the task manager toolbar despite the fact that they are checked ON in the desktop properties

#18 Loyce on 04.25.08 at 7:40 am

I luckily navigated past the intricate ads for paid desktop restoration and am a happy and grateful user.

Thanks

#19 Jordan Mardan on 05.05.08 at 8:46 pm

Hooray!
It worked.

Thanks a million!!!

#20 JKD on 05.07.08 at 6:37 pm

my Active X control will not go away i have tried to choose a diffrend backgroud but it does not work how can i fix it?

#21 Madura on 05.23.08 at 6:12 am

“Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.”

– Thank a lot

– Madura

#22 Sam Waskover on 06.15.08 at 12:50 pm

How do I restore my active desktop?

#23 Brenee' on 07.01.08 at 1:08 pm

My active desktop is not working i click on “restore active desktop” and nothin happens, then right click on the blank screen and click on properties, still nothing happens i go to “run” and i typed in “Regedit” still nothing happened. I can access the internet but when i go to my mail it says somthing about cookies so i enabled everything and even tried default but it’s not working. I also can’t download ANYTHING the proces never works or i get an error message. I click on the little speaker for Volume and that doesn’t work either. I also when to system restore and clicked on that but nothing happens, help!!!!!!

#24 Mattotude on 07.05.08 at 4:40 pm

This works!! Thanks

Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.

All we need now is for Microsoft to actually fix the issue as none of this helps with a terminal server with full Group Policy restrictions on running regedit as a user – 3 reboots are necessary to fix the issue which is no use on a server used 24hrs a day by remote users.

#25 hello-all on 07.06.08 at 1:26 am

As some last answer for this issue I want to suggest this idea bellow.

;change the content of registry “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\General \” to something else,i.e.null address,for a example like this “%SystemRoot%\Web\badSafeMode.htth”

Sorry,this fake address is bad joke,although.Please put it at your own preference.

#26 Pastor Dan. Taiwo Ajayi on 08.30.08 at 12:00 pm

My computer after showing the items on desktop was
giving a report “because your security setting disable
activex your computer may not work properly but I have reinstalled activex but I still find the message directing me to my Control Panel where I could not find any clue to the problem

#27 Linda on 09.01.08 at 5:26 am

after nassty trojan horse sorted, we were left with active x screen. Your advice above has rectified it-by choosing any image as a desktop backeground, my original chosen one has re-appeared thanks. However, in control panel – display, there are no tabs to change desktop picture screen saver etc, the only tab is desktop properties. Any idea where I can find them?

#28 vaibhav on 09.07.08 at 1:18 am

Thanks u soo much abt my problem of inactive desktop and missing desktop icons.

#29 vaibhav on 09.07.08 at 1:19 am

Post no. 6 by admin has solved my problem.

#30 Anna on 09.15.08 at 6:01 pm

thanks so much for the help, I never knew this could correct the problem.

#31 WolfDawg on 10.10.08 at 1:24 pm

This doesn’t work, whenever I go to properties and the desktop tab it won’t let me select anything

#32 Restore active desktop on 10.11.08 at 10:43 am

[...] I may know, but not sure Similar to above quote – I’m pretty sure this should do it, hopefully Restore Active Desktop Not Working ? | Anything, but not Everything Just go to your display settings and change your desktop backround and click apply * hopefllly as [...]

#33 mike on 10.19.08 at 11:55 am

thanks for the advice. it worked

#34 Dr.Brim on 10.26.08 at 9:46 pm

the toolbar is as small as i can get it, i go to the box to put a check mark is autohide toolbar, but i dont have room to click (ok) & (apply).I have done everthing i know to do this vista leaves a lot to be desired, i cant do ANYTHING when i cant click apply & ok Please help God Bless!!!!!!Brim……

#35 darwin on 10.31.08 at 9:48 pm

me too, i cannot use my properties because it’s always says ” application not found”
what i have to do?
please help me!

#36 Gavin on 11.13.08 at 3:08 am

Good advice! Why can’t Microsoft give out useful information like this?!!

#37 ETPALMA on 11.19.08 at 9:04 pm

Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.

THANKS, IT WORKED FOR ME…

#38 David on 12.17.08 at 12:53 pm

Thanks,worked perfectly

#39 Abid on 01.07.09 at 12:39 pm

Change in registry following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components
Change the value of DeskHtmlVersion to zero instead of decimal 272.
Cheers!

#40 kn0wnunkn0wn on 01.07.09 at 2:08 pm

Did The Steps And They Worked, But There Is Still The Blue Shadow Boxes Under My Icons. Any Ideas?

#41 marie on 01.10.09 at 4:04 pm

I tried this but all the image under background are frozen. Any idea’s?

#42 MusiqueLadee on 01.10.09 at 10:36 pm

I tried following the instructions but when I go to the list of images, the list is frozen. I can’t scroll through the list or click on any items visible. When I tried a color it said it updated but it didn’t. What now?

#43 ayman on 01.13.09 at 2:26 am

plese help me

#44 Judy on 01.17.09 at 1:45 pm

I did the regeidt and it helped make the active screen go away but I still have a constant hourglass and can’t navigate anywhere or shut down properly.

#45 stupid thing on 01.20.09 at 4:38 pm

my internet explorer folder does not have a desktop folder…so…yeah, also i can`t use the internet even though it has a good connection and all the other computers work, any help? already scanned with avg.

#46 Joe on 01.25.09 at 12:24 am

I would love to try to change the setting, but when i try to run regedit the message says Registry editing has been disabled by the administrator. I am the administrator, i never disabled editing. how do i change that?

#47 dennis on 01.27.09 at 2:36 pm

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6237/0109sm1.jpg

if I change the decimal instead of hexadecimal values, and now it turns on and doesn’t show anything but the background, NO start menus, no right clicks, nothing, even Ctrl-Alt-Del is not working. how do I fix it?

thanks

#48 Pak on 01.31.09 at 6:51 pm

Hi all. I ran the Regedit procedure as outlined by Rik Evans in his earlier post, and my original background image was restored. Many thanks for the advice.

Before the “Restore My Active Desktop” problem occured, I have had problem with the Desktop Property.
Normally, when I right click anywhere on the Desktop, then property, it will take me to a small screen where I can select the property of the Desktop – be it image, or web. Now this facility is gone.

Whenever I right click anywhere, then Property, an hourglass will appear, then….nothing.

I went to Control Panel and click on Display…nothing.

Just wondering if anyone can offer some solution to fix this proble.

Thanks

#49 Ciosa on 02.06.09 at 5:56 am

Thank you for sharing. I came to this site to read how things really are

#50 peggy on 02.11.09 at 8:30 pm

thanks it worked for me.

#51 peggy on 02.11.09 at 8:31 pm

pls how can i download a safe antivirus on internet.

#52 sam on 02.17.09 at 1:45 am

URL: file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/abc/Application%20Data/Microsoft/Internet%20Explorer/Desktop.htt
Do u want to continue running scripts on this page?

Nothing happens even if i click yes or no.
can u give any solution

I too had a same problem in AD enviornment
Problem was solved after changing the value in
regedit

thanks..it worked for me

#53 Desktop switches back and forth from desktop to background pic on 02.20.09 at 3:16 pm

[...] the directions given HERE to get back to [...]

#54 sagar on 02.25.09 at 8:23 am

administrator has limited previlige to change desktop setting so i am unable to restore actrive desktop

#55 Pratyush on 03.06.09 at 5:56 am

Brett, you’re the man!

Thanks a lot.

#56 Plan-B on 03.13.09 at 5:53 am

” If you have installed IE7 you are guaranteed to get a script error for this action. The above advice will not work if you are on a security enabled windows 2003 domain. The only fix then is to perform a registry edit for the individual user. Run Regedit Navigate to: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back. All we need now is for Microsoft to actually fix the issue as none of this helps with a terminal server with full Group Policy restrictions on running regedit as a user – 3 reboots are necessary to fix the issue which is no use on a server used 24hrs a day by remote users.”

Thanks to this bro,it worked fine for me

#57 SebyMi on 03.14.09 at 8:56 am

Rik Evans, you have saved my system !

I did as per http://angrys0ul.com/blog/2007/03/30/restore-active-desktop-not-working/#comment-7331 and got back my active desktop I lost few years back into my laptop. I had scratched google by all its ears, but never (I don’t know why) came across today’s search result!

Thanks a lot.

#58 Cindy on 03.22.09 at 10:55 am

This worked! Thanks for saving me more months of staring at this jarring white wallpaper.

#59 g.arathi on 03.25.09 at 3:55 am

actually,i inserted an infected memory card to take photos from it…when i was doing it,my system was stuck and i could’nt do anything.
i repeated this for 3 times and the fourth time i got that active desktop wallpaper……
should i change my desktop picture everytime i start my computer?
if i dont change the photo,as soon as i start….its again getting stuck…..
now when i started my computer,i immideately changed the desktop photo and pressed chrome on the quick launch bar

#60 arthi on 03.25.09 at 4:01 am

should i turn on my active desktop?if so how?

#61 Tanisha on 04.06.09 at 10:47 am

To restore your active desktop:

1. Right click on desktop area.
2. From the drop-down menu displayed select ‘Arrange Icons By’
3. Then make sure that the option ‘Lock Web Items On Desktop’ is not applied. If it is selected, simply click on it to de-select it.

I don’t know if this will solve your problem but it worked for me :)

#62 R-MAN on 04.10.09 at 9:32 am

Check this out! I had the issue where I had the restore active desktop message stuck on my screen. When I clicked the button I got the script error and nothing would happen.

I found this quick little app that solved the problem. I scanned it with avast and spyware terminator and believe it to be safe.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Click on 16 and download file. scan and open it and viola! restart your pc and you’re set!

#63 student on 04.14.09 at 9:52 am

It doesn’t work! You see I have a student laptop, so everything is pretty much blocked. I can’t get it back. It has been BOUT A MONTH SINCE IT FIRST STARTED SAYING THAT.

#64 John Martin on 04.17.09 at 2:12 pm

Thank You,

You fixed my problem.

#65 loi on 04.22.09 at 4:22 am

my registry was disabled by administator..what do i do? pls help…. afetr the reg edit..nothing follows..i cant follow the steps…

#66 joe awungshi on 05.06.09 at 6:27 am

Dude thanks this helps!

“Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.”

#67 joe awungshi on 05.06.09 at 6:28 am

“Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and hit F5. The original desktop should now be back.”

#68 Nicholas on 05.21.09 at 2:50 pm

Thanks for the advice on changing DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 – it worked! And I didn’t even need to reboot!

#69 Bill on 05.30.09 at 4:04 pm

Thank you for the info but it did not work. :-(

#70 Phil on 06.18.09 at 2:00 pm

This is truly the script error from hell! I’ve tried every remedy posted on the web to try and fix this problem to no avail. I even ran a Microsoft hotfix that is suppose to solve the problem. It did absolutlely nothing. It’s not some virus or trojan. I’ve run several antivirus/malware software applications and nothing! The problem with the DeskHtMLVersion remedy posted is that it is only good for one boot. You have to edit your registry and change the value from 272 to 0 before you restart your computer everytime. I read where one guy said he had developed an executable that keeps the DeskHTMLVersion at zero and it was available on RaphidShare for download. I went to RaphidShare and the file is no longer there. Does anyone have a permanent fix for this problem please???

#71 Phil on 06.18.09 at 2:48 pm

UPDATE: Just found the true fix! It’s a script you have to copy and run on your computer. It keeps your DESKHTMLVERSION set at 0 permanently. It can be found here: http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433748 Just look for message #4 and follow the instructions. I almost went Mac over this.

#72 John on 08.16.09 at 9:32 am

Hey if you cant select a different background from the menu things because they cannot be selected. Go to your pictures, right-click and select “Set as Desktop Background” This should fix everything.

#73 John on 08.16.09 at 9:33 am

If you cant select an image from the menu you’re viewing, go to your pictures, right-click an image and then select set as desktop background. This should work.

#74 Linda on 09.01.09 at 8:46 pm

I CAN GO TO CONTROL AND DISPLAY AND PUT A PICTURE ON MY DESKTOP. WHEN I TURN THE PC OFF AND COME BACK TO TURN IT ON, THE PICTURE HAS GONE AND I HAVE A BLACK SCREEN WITH MY ICONS. ANY IDEAS, THANKS IN ADVANCE

AND HERE IS ANOTHER, MOST TIMES IF I GO TO PRINT SOMETHING, MY SCREEN GOES BLACK, CAN GET NOTHING TO SHOW ON SCREEN SO HAVE TO TURN OFF AT THE MAIN WALL SWITCH.

#75 vaisakh on 09.10.09 at 10:54 am

i wnt my deszk top back

#76 thank you HUGE on 09.23.09 at 10:05 am

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!

#77 Computer problem - FreddysHouse on 09.26.09 at 12:00 am

[...] be a little more helpful – Restore Active Desktop Not Working ? | Anything, but not Everything You didn’t say which OS you are using so I assumed it was [...]

#78 Rigo on 10.03.09 at 1:53 am

Congrats!! It is a very simple solution!!

#79 geeta nandanwar on 10.08.09 at 2:59 am

i m having problem in desktop, it shows half wallpaper and half is white background

#80 George on 10.14.09 at 7:38 pm

want to make sure this is a real blog and not a some sort of spam

#81 raven on 10.15.09 at 12:08 pm

so then what do you do if the adminastrarors disabled it?

#82 john on 10.17.09 at 4:37 am

works likw magic….many thanks

#83 rajat on 10.18.09 at 2:02 pm

Thanks Tanisha ….It works

#84 Roland on 10.20.09 at 9:45 am

I spent over 2 hours trying half dozen other recommended overly complicated remedies. The WallPaper took 30 seconds and it actually was the only recommendation that solved the problem.

#85 cindy :) on 10.31.09 at 4:33 am

thanks it worked saved me time from looking at a blank background

#86 harjinder on 11.12.09 at 7:46 am

stop

#87 Nimit on 01.18.10 at 7:50 pm

Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.

Thank a lots, it worked.

#88 Biswarup Adhikari on 01.21.10 at 1:45 am

Another way to overcome from this problem
1. At first download a unlocker software and install it
2. Then go to the address
file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Abhishek/Application%20Data/Microsoft/
3. Now right click on
Internet Explorer Folder click on unlock click on unlock all
4. Again right click on the Internet Explorer Folder click unlock choose delete option after deletion…..
your problem will say good by

#89 endriti on 02.22.10 at 10:07 am

qysh me hek bre qeta restore active desktop

#90 Nabaghana Prusty on 03.28.10 at 10:00 pm

This problem is not solved using this solutions

#91 shilu on 04.04.10 at 11:28 pm

i won restor my computer it treated with a virus…..

#92 shilu on 04.04.10 at 11:29 pm

i won refresh my computer . in a proper maner.

#93 shilu on 04.04.10 at 11:29 pm

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

#94 Enigma on 04.18.10 at 2:52 am

Hey thanks a lot Rik!

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot

Also worked for me! You rock!

#95 Flitre on 04.26.10 at 2:16 am

I’m having a similar problem in my PC desktop. I tried following the instruction but when i go to the desktop tab my machine was hanged after then when i restart machine it was automatically restart again what can i do..

#96 Raj the Dreams on 05.20.10 at 9:04 pm

Dude thanks this helps!

“Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.”

#97 IB NAICOM on 07.16.10 at 8:04 am

Thanks, i run regedit and it solve the problem.

#98 Sumeet on 08.09.10 at 5:45 am

What can we do if registry access is blocked in domain environment.

#99 zura on 09.06.10 at 6:13 am

Run Regedit

Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the DeskHTMLVersion key from 272 to 0 and reboot. The original desktop should now be back.

—–

Thanks a lot! It worked! :)

#100 Rohini Anil Ghegade on 09.24.10 at 6:57 am

I did the same that u explained in above blog,and my system starts working properly…

Thanks very Much for you support…

#101 REGEDIT BLOCKED - SOLUTION on 10.05.10 at 9:53 am

For all those guys who is blocked by the Adminstrator from using regedit, this really works – i took it from http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433748

“Heres a basic script to change the above registry setting

HKEY_CURRENT_USER = &H80000001
strComputer = “.”
Set objReg = GetObject(“winmgmts:\\” & strComputer & “\root\default:StdRegProv”)
strKeyPath = “Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components”
strValue = “0″
ValueName = “DeskHtmlVersion”
objReg.SetDWORDValue HKEY_CURRENT_USER, strKeyPath, ValueName, strValue

copy this to notepad and save as activedesktop.vbs, then run the file, logoff then log back in again

hope this helps

#102 John - If registry is blocked on 10.06.10 at 12:27 pm

Copy the below code & save it as activedesktop vbs file. Double click it & refresh the desktop once.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER = &H80000001
strComputer = “.”
Set objReg = GetObject(“winmgmts:\\” & strComputer & “\root\default:StdRegProv”)
strKeyPath = “Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components”
strValue = “0″
ValueName = “DeskHtmlVersion”
objReg.SetDWORDValue HKEY_CURRENT_USER, strKeyPath, ValueName, strValue

#103 carlos on 10.13.10 at 8:43 pm

my desktop wont show when i start it and when i press ctrl alt delete i press task maneger thn i when to new task then ii appear on my usb that all my desk top icon was there how can i fix it so that when i turn it on my desktop will show up by it self

#104 nirmala on 10.31.10 at 11:52 am

my all desktop icons changed to net like icos and programes are not responding
they are asking for program to open with
if we select a program all are changing to that icon and again some are not responding

#105 Tanveer singh rajpal on 11.26.10 at 11:24 am

thanks this idea help me too much
thanks

#106 Ethio Boy on 12.05.10 at 2:00 pm

Hi I am from Ethiopia. I just face the stated problem. Tried to used the specified option. But unfortunately still the problem persists.
Then I have disabled the active desktop. And my prob has gone and found peace of mind with a nice wallpaper.
Start==>Run then type gpedit.msc
then navigate to the following directory
User Configuration=>Administrative Templates=>Desktop=>Active Desktop=>Disable Active Desktop

Select the Disable radio button.
Done

#107 ryotingder on 12.14.10 at 11:53 pm

“Double click it & refresh the desktop once.”
Can more?

#108 Karen on 12.16.10 at 11:17 pm

IT WORKED! DIDNT HAVE THE MONEY TO HIRE REPAIR. Thank you for sharing. So many will only help if they get paid. I hope your willingness to share brings you good Karma. Thanks again.

#109 gary22 on 12.23.10 at 9:34 pm

what if i dont see the pictures

#110 HASSAN on 01.21.11 at 12:58 pm

ITS NOT WORKING

#111 PC Help Guru on 02.19.11 at 8:07 am

this is often been seen as the result of virus infestation. Try Malwarebytes on the system in safe mode.

#112 GRANT on 02.23.11 at 1:59 pm

This issue can also happen when your current desktop file becomes corrupt. If “Apply” is greyed out when you are in Desktop Properties, try changing your current background to a standard Windows XP background (like Crystal or Windows XP). That will get you through if you’re working on a computer where you can’t edit the registry or if you don’t have the time to fix it immediately.

#113 Prashant on 02.26.11 at 2:36 am

When i reboot the system again “Restore My Active Desktop” error will come automatically I already reset my profile but still same so as of now unable to resolve this thing and I am ver upset to see this…

Regds,
Prashant L

#114 sohaib on 03.15.11 at 10:41 am

no use, now even worse, the wallpaper is coming quarter!!

#115 RobWalker on 03.25.11 at 9:04 pm

Good looking Rik Evans, that was the exact fix for me. Funny, that my rights at work won’t let me change a background, but I can edit registry values :-p

#116 Maize on 04.01.11 at 11:12 pm

I did as instructed but when it came back only about a third was on there. I rebooted and it took another slice off of it????? WTH

#117 Andrew on 04.05.11 at 12:52 pm

Rik Evans you are fantastic, worked a treat.

Thank you

#118 K on 04.08.11 at 3:14 am

worked perfectly…thanks!

#119 Arun Asokan on 04.13.11 at 12:30 am

PLease refer the link to get ultimate solution for this issue.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929200

#120 Phil on 04.27.11 at 10:09 pm

Thank you soooo much.
I did the regedit procedure which worked like a charm!

#121 ratheesh on 05.13.11 at 11:28 am

plz how can remove this error (///C:/Documents%20and%20Setting…et/Desktop.htt)

#122 Joe Chirayath on 05.15.11 at 6:24 am

Thanks a lot..i was able to solve my problem …once again thanks a lot..

#123 Bea on 05.18.11 at 9:11 pm

Computer shutdown all of a sudden. Got an inactive desktop. When I got rid of that, I was left with all my icons in place on a white screen with only half of my wallpaper showing. I changed my desktop wallpaper only to find the same desktop with only half of the wallpaper showing.. HELP

#124 isb on 07.06.11 at 8:22 am

Thanks Rik Evans, your solution does save my day!!

#125 Sai on 08.13.11 at 5:43 am

Hi to one and all :) ….

to solve this problem go to:
My Computer>Tools>Folder Option>(uncheck) Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)

May this will solve your problem….
Take care, enjoy the problems…
-Om Sai Ram

#126 Thomaz Portella on 09.01.11 at 7:44 pm

I am still having problems when the power go down, and my computer restarts.
Always appears “RESTORE MY ACTIVE…”
The default user isn’t administrator.
The machine runs XP embedded version for HP thin client.

#127 Nisha Fernandes on 09.03.11 at 8:13 pm

I don’t get right click. Also the icons are misiing the screen is completely blank and i cant even shut down.

#128 ray carter on 10.01.11 at 7:48 am

boss it will not work ok

#129 sahil on 10.13.11 at 5:17 am

Hi thanx to all..

#130 kim bryan on 10.22.11 at 7:38 am

thanks rik evans! your solution worked like a charm on my desktop! again, many thanks!

#131 sonia on 10.27.11 at 12:36 pm

please help its not working

#132 Lew on 12.02.11 at 6:20 pm

I keep getting the “USB DEVICE NOT RECOGNIZED” error.
I tried shutting the computer down (the proper way) and unplugging the ac cord for 1/2 an hour.
That worked for about 3 days. Now it’s happening again.
thanks

Windows xp home

#133 Tina on 03.07.12 at 1:09 am

Thank you for helping…

#134 Boizittedge on 03.10.12 at 9:18 pm

????? ????? ??????? ????

#135 barbarainc on 03.11.12 at 8:18 pm

awesomeness!! Thanks!!

#136 BobbyBrown on 03.22.12 at 8:04 pm

Changing DeskHTMLVersion to 0 in RegEdit helped my case.

#137 Harold on 04.09.12 at 6:20 pm

There are other solutions here Active Desktop Recovery

#138 PLaCiD on 05.27.12 at 1:40 am

Perfect. A quick google search led me to this page, and your explanation got me back on track in under a minute. Switching to another wallpaper, and then switching it back worked flawlessly. Thank you for this info.

#139 Patricia on 09.05.12 at 8:39 am

Restored my desktop and my icibs.
Great help. Thankyou .

#140 Doris on 09.15.12 at 1:44 pm

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!! It worked despite the cat trying to assist in this. I was hoping it was going to be an easy fix, and thanks to you it was.

#141 Jolanta on 09.27.12 at 9:32 am

THANKS!!!! I was really scared :D But the instructions worked!

#142 LAVAFESIUG on 10.11.12 at 2:11 pm

LOL I JUST HIT MY KEYBOARD SO HARD AND THEN I SAW THE BSOD FOR A SEC

#143 LAVAFESIUG on 10.11.12 at 2:12 pm

OH MY GOD.

#144 LAVAFESIUG on 10.11.12 at 2:20 pm

NOTHING HAPPENS TO ME ONLY RESTORE DESKTOP CAUSEZ MINE IS MIKE’S COMPUTERS

#145 Scott on 10.13.12 at 6:35 am

OMG BRO I LOVE YOU.. I was so scared o.o I had a script error I just wanted to give my thanks you had no idea the look on my face -_-

#146 jesseca Imon on 10.14.12 at 7:58 am

I can’t right-click at my desktop for it says “Your system administrator disabled the display control panel”, then what shall I do now!!!
Help me please
:(

#147 sharifuddin on 12.12.12 at 4:48 pm

Create one CMD file with the below script, then double click the cmd file which you have created, refresh the your desktop, hope your issue get resolved.
please find the script below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER = &H80000001

strComputer = “.”

Set objReg = GetObject(“winmgmts:\\” & strComputer & “\root\default:StdRegProv”)

strKeyPath = “Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components”

strValue = “0″

ValueName = “DeskHtmlVersion”

objReg.SetDWORDValue HKEY_CURRENT_USER, strKeyPath, ValueName, strValue

HKEY_CURRENT_USER = &H80000001
strComputer = “.”
Set objReg = GetObject(“winmgmts:\\” & strComputer & “\root\default:StdRegProv”)
strKeyPath = “Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components”
strValue = “0″
ValueName = “DeskHtmlVersion”
objReg.SetDWORDValue HKEY_CURRENT_USER, strKeyPath, ValueName, strValue

#148 sharifuddin on 12.12.12 at 5:08 pm

just add this code in any script

HKEY_CURRENT_USER = &H80000001
strComputer = “.”
Set objReg = GetObject(“winmgmts:\\” & strComputer & “\root\default:StdRegProv”)
strKeyPath = “Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components”
strValue = “0?
ValueName = “DeskHtmlVersion”
objReg.SetDWORDValue HKEY_CURRENT_USER, strKeyPath, ValueName, strValue

#149 quadarious on 12.19.12 at 7:00 pm

youtube

#150 anu on 01.09.13 at 4:15 pm

thank a lot… i activated my desktop… thnks a lot..

#151 ETHIOPIA on 03.08.13 at 8:42 am

i need to change my computer properties but when i click on it it says “this operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this comp please contact your system a adminstrator pls help me.

#152 Shah on 03.09.13 at 7:31 am

Thanks Tanisha that worked for me!

> To restore your active desktop:

1. Right click on desktop area.
2. From the drop-down menu displayed select ‘Arrange Icons By’
3. Then make sure that the option ‘Lock Web Items On Desktop’ is not applied. If it is selected, simply click on it to de-select it.

I don’t know if this will solve your problem but it worked f

#153 Anastasialhr on 04.10.13 at 3:46 am

[url=http://www.timberlandbootsmise.com/]???????? ??[/url]

[url=http://www.mcmbagsjapanmise.com/]MCM ???[/url]

[url=http://www.jimmychooshoesbest.com/]?????? ?[/url]

#154 Dolynn on 05.03.13 at 4:35 am

Okay guys… I’m using a gateway desktop here. But for some reason my screen can’t show anything :/ one an its not blank or anything it just dont go to menu. I’m stuck with this weird colors flickering -.-… Can someone tell me what did I do? And what can I do to restart it? Desperately in need of help.

#155 Amie on 05.12.13 at 7:12 pm

I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your info, but good topic. I must spend a while finding out more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful info I was looking for this info for my mission.

Also visit my web site; Amie

#156 pandora free radio music on 05.19.13 at 12:43 am

Enjoying the service of Odyssey – Streaming – Radio
is so easy. Hardware mechanisms used in the manufacturing of a Wi – Fi internet radio system is less complicated and
the point of ergonomics is kept in mind by the manufactures.

There are many websites that bring to people radio channels for their personal entertainment.

Leave a Comment