A simple desktop settings Group Policy

Leigh Bennett

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Dec 11, 2003, 4:02:09 AM12/11/03

to

I have a test environment consisting of 1 server (w2k) and
1 desktop (XP). Im trying to setup easy Desktop settings
via Group Policy, so i thought i'd keep it simple and just
apply a background for now. I have only enabled 2 settings
in the GP and they are, 'Enable Active Desktop'
and 'Active Desktop Wallpaper'. I have tried the 'Active
desktop wallpaper' using UNC path's and a local file but i
cant get it to display the desktop wallpaper i want. It
either comes up with no wallpaper or the default XP
(fields) wallpaper. I've double, triple checked
permissions, ensured that the policy is applied using
the 'GPRESULT' tool, and it is. I dont know where else to
look??????

leigh

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Dec 11, 2003, 6:40:36 AM12/11/03

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I have even tried upgrading the GP for XP. It worked the
first instance i logged in but then when i rebooted and
used the same credentials, the desktop wallpaper didnt
show.

>.
>

Buz [MSFT]

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Dec 11, 2003, 1:20:39 PM12/11/03

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Leigh,

It sounds like you got everything right, can you try 2 thins.

1. Assign different wallpaper, try using a .bmp file or .jpg, just try
something else.

2. Perhaps there is a local problem with the 1 XP client. Try another XP
client to confirm the issue is with the poliy and not localized to one
machine.

Below are three other things to look at and try. note that step 3 notes and
isue but also provides a workaround:

1.
297846 The Active Desktop Wallpaper May Not Be Displayed When You Use
Gpedit.msc
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=297846

2.
1.) Configure Policy Above to c:\Winnt\custom.bmp
2.) On Windows XP Pro clients create a C:\Winnt Folder and place the
custom.bmp here

3.

If you enable the "Hide all Icons on the Desktop" user policy and you
configure the "Active Desktop Wallpaper" policy, the selected wallpaper is
not displayed.

This behavior occurs because the "Hide all Icons on the Desktop" policy
disables Active Desktop.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious
problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee
that you can solve
problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry
Editor at your own
risk.

When you set the wallpaper, it is written to the registry. You can
distribute the registry setting when the .bmp file name is written as
"wallpaper" to the following registry locations:

HKCU\ControlPanel\Desktop

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\General

Buz Brodin
MCSE NT4 / Win2K
Microsoft Enterprise Domain Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

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Lbennett

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Dec 15, 2003, 4:49:44 AM12/15/03

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Cheers Buz, ill give that a go.

>.
>

Lbennett

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Dec 15, 2003, 5:27:42 AM12/15/03

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Number 1 solved the problem. I used the same file, just
renamed it to something different and it worked perfect.

Strange, but at least its sorted. Thanks.

>.
>

Buz [MSFT]

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Dec 15, 2003, 10:34:17 AM12/15/03

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Thanks for the update.

I don't know why it worked though.

Buz Brodin
MCSE NT4 / Win2K
Microsoft Enterprise Domain Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.

Please do not send e-mail directly to this alias. This alias is for
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"Lbennett" <lben...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
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