Display Properties DESKTOP Tab does not work - End Program - rundll32.exe not responding/Run a DLL as an APP error

Not that I know of.  I've tried to restore to the last configuration and it will not allow any date I click on to restore/ tells me to try another date.  I forgot to mention that when I go into the other user account on the same computer, I can open the Tesktop tab in Display Properties, change the image, picture, size, etc.  The only thing I use that user account is for iTunes.  I have also tried regedit and the Active Desktop file does not appear

have you check your computer for viruses or spyware.maybe your computer is infected.

try to scan with your antivirus or try to scan with malwarebytes Antimalware

Sometimes, when only one user on the computer is having a problem it is easier to re-create the user (make a new user, copy files over and delete the old user once you are satisfied). Since I do not use itunes, I don't know how this will affect itunes. As for the system restore, please make sure that your system restore is turned on: right click on my computer, select properties, then system restore tab. If it is off, then turn it on, but it will only help you next time, not this time. You can only restore to a date when it was monitoring.

At this point sounds like a good option.  Won't creating a new user account and copying all files transfer whatever bad file/thing/whatever the porblem is over to the new user account?
The only way I access System Restore is by clicking start/all programs/systems tools/system restore.  I click on system restore settings, and it is set on automatic daily.  I click on restore and am asked for a restor point; calendar opens iup and all bold dates are available restore points.  No matter which restore point I choose, the problem is still present.  I have tried ParetoLogic Driver Cure to scan my computer and install drivers that are old or missiong.  Nothing works.
Thanks in advance, again, for your help.

I just typed a 3 page response but it was lost. Argh!! Here is a recreated digested version:

The problem is most likely the user registry hive NTUSER.DAT, which is in the user profile C:\Documents and Settings\{username}. You do not need to recreate the user just to recreate the profile. I recommend the following steps:

1. As the problem user, clear your internet cache (makes the profile smaller) and reboot (it is not sufficient to log off) and then log as a different user.
2. Rename the problem user's profile to {username}.OLD
3. Log off and log into the problem user account. This will create a new fresh profile.
4. Test the display tab. If it is still not working, the problem is something else.
5. Copy each of the following folders from the old profile to the new one one at a time: Desktop, Favorites, My Documents, Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch. As each of these folders copies successfully, delete the source folder (I do not recommend CUT and paste because if you run into any errors, it leaves you with a messy situation).
6. KEEP the old profile as you may need to retrieve program specific settings, encryption or DRM keys, etc.


The above method is the cleanest way to do this, but if you just want to recreate only the registry file there is a much faster way. I do not personally recommend this - I prefer a fresh entire profile, but this is how many people do it.

1. Do steps 1-4 as above.
2. Reboot, log on as a different admin account.
3. Rename NTUSER.DAT in {username}.OLD to NTUSER.OLD
4. Copy NTUSER.DAT from the new profile to the old one.
5. Delete the new profile.
6. Rename {username}.OLD back to {username}
7. Log off and then log on to the User account.


If you use outlook, there are some additional steps. If you keep running into errors while copying, I can give you the XCOPY commands to skip only the corrupted files.

Sorry you lost the 3 p. response, know how frustrating it is, and I'm the one whose missing out.  However, I am very appreciative of any expert assistance.
I assume the user registry hive NTUSER.DAT cannot be "fixed."  In an hour, I will apply your recommended method to recreate the profile.  If the display tab works, I'll proceed with copying folders.  At this point I'm not sure I know how to copy folders from one profile to the other, but I'll find out once I get there.  I will advise you of my progress and thank you again for your time and effort.

It will be helpful to show hidden and system files. When you go to "My Computer" go to Tools--Folder Options. Then select the View tab and select "Show hidden files and folders" and scroll down and uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files" - you can undo any or all of these later in the same place.

To copy the folders, you can use a siple copy and paste the same way you would copy any other folder or file on your computer.

My errands took longer than I thought; everything happens for a reason.  Thanks for the additional instructions.
In the BAD/Old user account:
In My Computer, tools, folder options, view, I SELECTED Show Hidden Files and Folders, uncheckd Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files." I cleared the internet cache, rebooted, and logged on as DIFFERENT user.    
In DIFFERENT user account:
I go to My Computer, open C:\Documents and Settings\{username} and the name of the bad account does not appear. The files in C:\Documents and Settings are:
Administrator/ HP_Administrator/ HP_Administra/ All Users / Default User/ Different User/ iTunes/ and Local Services.  The only accounts I see on my desktop when I reboot are:
Odyssey / Different/ Default User.  Odyssey is the BAD user, and I know I changed the name of that account in Control Panel/USERS a while ago, but I don't know why it would not appear under the C:\Dosuments and Settings\.  How can I know what the bad account name is in the system?
I don't know what to do, so I'm stopping for now.  Thanks in advance for any help.
Dalia

I made a mistake - iTunes, not Default User - is the 3rd user account in the computer.
Thanks again.

Oh yes, sorry, I didn't mention that if the account started as a different name, that will be the name of the profile.

There are a couple different ways to find out the path, but the easiest way is to log onto the BAD account and go to start -- run and type "cmd" then from the dos prompt type "echo %userprofile%" (just like that with the %s but not the quotes) and whatever it spits back at you is your user profile path. It is also probably the path you start in when you go to the dos prompt anyway. Take a note of this path, reboot, and continue on.

When it rebuilds the profile, it will rebuild it named after the user. So if the Odessy profile points to Itunes, rename it to Itunes.OLD and then when you log into Odessy, it will build a profile called Odessy.

Windows doesn't rename profiles when the users are renamed to prevent conflicts in the registry. Since you are making a new registry, the new profile can have the correct name without a problem.

The profile of the bad user is one of these: Administrator/ HP_Administrator/ HP_Administra/ and probably not Administrator. Local Services, Network Services, Default User, and All Users are all system profiles. Leave those all alone.

And to your earlier question of whether or not the registry can be "fixed": not really. There are tons of software vendors out there claiming that they can, but my experience is that they always mess it up way worse than it started. It's best to just start fresh.

Found the user profile path as instructed - it is HP_Administrator.  
I rebooted, logged on as a different user, opened C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator, right clicked on username, hit rename and changed it to HP_Administrator.OLD.
Received "Error Renaming File or Folder - Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is currently is currently in use" [OK]  
It can't be in use because I made sure no user accounts were opened prior to rebooting.  The "disk full" or "write-protect" is greek to me.  
So here I am.  

is the account you are logged on with an administrator? if the account is not an administrator, you'll have to log on with an admin account (odessy probably is an admin account) and make the other user an admin.  Go to control panel and go to users and change the account type to administrator.  Again, make sure you completely restart the machine, then log into the other user to continue.

All 3 user accounts are ADMIN.

Does is matter if Norton Security is on?

OK, 3rd time's a charm.  I've already scanned, installed and 'repaired' all the files recommended by PareroLogic DriverCure and RegCure.  I saw Malwarebytes but didn't chose that.  Of course, you instructions are not at all like the usual hit start, hit install, wait for a few hours, then close, reboot, and problem not solved.  I wouldn't call my computer unhealthy to the point of non-use, but it had its up n downs.  2006 XP Media Center with free upgrade to Vista when it became available.  Mid 2006 upgrade came.  By Mid 2007 it was dying.  Saved everything to external drive, and Geek Squad reinstalled the original XP OS.  A few weeks of troubleshooting and it was ok. There are probably many intricate computer lingo stuff that is hard for the best tech to decipher.  Thank you for your time and effort.  Later,

I honestly decipher your post very well but I will try:

"OK, 3rd time's a charm.  I've already scanned, installed and 'repaired' all the files recommended by PareroLogic DriverCure and RegCure. "

 PareroLogic DriverCure and RegCure are programs to "fix" drivers and registry entries. The actions I outlined fix totally different things. Also, although I haven't used these two programs (and probably never will), driver fixing programs and registry fixing programs are notoriously bad at fixing anything.

"Of course, you instructions are not at all like the usual hit start, hit install, wait for a few hours, then close, reboot, and problem not solved. "

Each step should be considered separately and shouldn't be that hard to get through. If you need clarification on anything, just ask. The longest step involves installing malwarebytes and running it in safe mode. I wasn't sure you knew how to get to safe mode, so I spelled it out. The other commands are one line commands that are built in to windows to fix various problems.

" I wouldn't call my computer unhealthy to the point of non-use, but it had its up n downs. "

Yes and running the tools I've specified can keep it running smoothly.

"A few weeks of troubleshooting and it was ok. There are probably many intricate computer lingo stuff that is hard for the best tech to decipher.  Thank you for your time and effort.  Later,"

I don't know what you are saying here. Please clarify.

"I honestly decipher your post very well but I will try:" should have read "I honestly can't decipher your post very well but I will try:"

I see your point.  I apologize for inserting my personal comments having nothing to do with you or the task at hand.   I am disappointed in quasi companies that exploit honest people who have computer issues.  I was making fun of THEM by implying their solution is simply to download and install their program and that would correct any internal, intricate, technical probelm (especially when I explicitly tell them what the problem is).  
"A few weeks of troubleshooting and it was ok. There are probably many intricate computer lingo stuff that is hard for the best tech to decipher.  You took this statement out of context.  I was merely expressing how switching my OS from XP to Vista and back again to XP, went through a few computer technicians, and even Geek Squad and HP C/S and finally after some time, I paid an HP technician and the only way to fix the "then" problem was a full recovery.  All of the above was not necessary information to aid in resolving my issue.  You can delete all this impertinent conversation.  Sorry again for babling.

I am appreciative of your technical professionalism and am glad you are giving me explicit instructions. I don't know anything about computers (except use them as an accountant) and need detailed direction.  

I will follow your instructions and keep you posted and ask any questions that may arise during the process.

Excellent! You have a great way of communicating aspects of computer problems.  Have you or are you perhaps a teacher of computers/computer science?  Very easy to understand.  You reminded of working in an office,  and after trying to "fix" something on my own on my computer, I asked the IT Tech. what should I do.  He said, "reboot."  

I end this post ready to back up my files to an external HD.  To be continued . . .

Last night, 19 hours into the backup of 159G from my 224G XP to my WD 1T ext drive, "it" stops and message states destination does not have enough memory to continue.  91G out of 159G were saved.  I have no idea why.  There is 883G avail on the ext drive.  The HELP button did not have a FAQ with my problem.  I have deleted the files in the ext. drive and will try it again.  

What program were you using to back up? Were you backing up just your files or the entire hard drive?

I plugged in my Western Digital external hard drive to my computer and followed instructions. Yes, I thought I was supposed to back up the entire hard drive ergo the "long time" it would take to complete fixing my problem.  What should I back up? I have not started yet.  In between having Lasik surgery on my eyes on 3/19 and preparing tax returns, I picked a bad time to fix what I thought was an easy thing (the desktop tab in display properties does not open/work).

I'm wondering why 91 GB would take 19 hours... by my calculations it should only take an hour or two at most. Is it connected via USB?

The backup software that came with the hard drive should be fine - I don't know why it wouldn't recognize the capacity.

No doubt the solution to your desktop tab will be a small one, but there are many different things that can cause this. I recommended several steps that fix many problems and my guess is that step 2 or 5 will be the actual solution.

The problem here is that you are unable to copy and rename certain files, would points strongly to either malware or a corrupted file system.

I recommend just backing up the following folders from your profile to your external drive and then proceed with the next step. Once you have your computer all healthy you can do a system backup.

Folders to back up: Copy each of the following folders from the old profile to the external drive one at a time: Desktop, Favorites, My Documents, Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch.

If you are unable to copy some of these, then you should back up the files that are of most importance to you (pictures, for example) and then proceed.

I connected it via FireWire and am thinking I should have used USB. Don't know. Thanks for your reply.  I will back up the folders you stipulated (especially pictures, musicc and customer files.  

hmm firewire is just as fast as usb 2.0.. i'm wondering if there is something going on with your hard drive (badly fragmented, or maybe failing) that could make the transfer slow. How old is the computer?

Back up completed last night.  
I started with your instructions (ID: 23946189) approx. 9:45PST
#2 once in SAFE MODE, I could not disable antivirus, message "cann't be opened in Safe Mode."  Run malwarebytes offers 2 options: quick scan and full scan.  I used full scan.  It ran for 2:45, scanned 474,539 objects of which 93 objects were infected.  I saved log to me desktop, clicked to "remove" (there is no button named "fix"), rebooted in safe mode, ran malwarebytes.  It ran for 2:42, with zero errors. Saved log.
#3 you did not specify if "Fix file security here ..." was to be done while in Safe Mode.  I attempted to open IE while in Safe Mode and "no internet connection found" so I rebooted but not in safe mode.   I then disabled antivirus and proceeded to fix file security.  This is where I am now: DOS window opened, C:\WINDOWS\system32\secedit.exe, and it is at "completed 10%."  Once it completes the file security fix, I will go to #4,#5.
#6 question: when I reboot and test the display tab, and if it doesn'y work, I don't understand what "try to recreate the profile again" means.  How do I recreate the profile?  Hopefully the display tab will work.  The fix file security is 100% completed, and I will keep you posted.  Thanks.

Great, sounds like you are making good progress. For malwarebytes, I usually use a quick scan but a full scan is probably better. And yes, Malwarbytes is the only step that needed to be done in safe mode.   What I meant by number 6 was to do the whole process in my 3rd post (the process you tried to do before but it wouldn't let you). When you get to that point, if it still won't let you rename the profile, you could try that in safe mode.

I'm on  #5 and below are sequence of messages.  

1.  Windows File Protection          
Please wait while Windows verifies that all protected Windows files are
Intact and in their original versions
 
2.  Windows - No Disk

Exception Processing Message c0000013 Parameters 75b6bf7c 4 75b6bf7c 75b6bf7c

[Cancel]     [Try Again]     [Continue] -  I hit CONTINUE

 
 
3.  Windows  File Protection
Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to
the DLL Cache.

Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 CD now
[Retry]          [More Information]            [Cancel]
 
I DONT HAVE ONE,  I hit [Retry]:

Windows File Protection

Possible reasons for this problem: - you have inserted the wrong CD [DON'T HAVE CD AT ALL]  - The CD-ROM drive in your system is not functioning  [IT WORKS FINE]
 
This time I hit [Cancel]
 
If you cancel, Windows might require you to insert a CD later.      
Are you sure you want to skip this file?
 
[YES]
 
  4. Microsoft Office Word

The file Normal.dot already exists.  Do you want to replace the existing file?
 
I have no idea what this means, and hit [CANCEL]

As I write, the Windows File Protection status screen is about 55% complete.  Not sure what to expect when it is finished.  Unless I hear from you, I will proceed to reboot and test the display tab.

FYI, my computer was purchased 10-31-06;MFG.DATE CODE Sept/2006.  HP a1610n Pavillion, Windows XP Media Center

Yes, to run sfc, you'll need your XP disc. Can you borrow one from someone else? If you do, it has to be a service pack 3 edition, you you are pretty unlikely to find a friend with that unless you know an IT guy. If you can find just any XP _professional_ CD, we can make it into an SP3 CD. If not we'll have to skip this step, but I was hopeful that sfc would fix your problem.. Can you check your hard drive for an i386 folder? Use start--search to check your hard drive. Sometimes the windows installation files are left on the hard drive.

I knew I needed a disc when I kept getting the same "insert your Windows XP..." to continue.   I've never had an XP disc - on any computer I bought -  the program was installed in my computer, just like the new lap top I  bought a few weeks ago.  I will search for an i386 folder, and my next post will be positive.  I appreciate your patience.

Yes, over the past few years, manufacturers have stopped providing the disc. I think some people have attempted class action lawsuits (how can they sell you software and not provide the installation disc - part of the software) but I don't think any have succeeded. Most manufacturers provide "restore" CDs but often you have to pay for those too, and they are useless for _fixing_ anything as they just wipe the entire system clean (including documents, settings, and programs). Most people I know have gotten their hands on an XP disc from somewhere. It's a good thing to have lying around.

I do have recovery disks - 3 infact - now I know why I was being prompted to insert them.  I don't want to wipe it clean; did that when I was walked through a full/complete/total restoration.

My computer is still searching in local hard drives C:;D: for i386.  
So far, no one I know has any XP disc; still looking.  

Most likely your recovery disks will be in an image format that you cannot browse, but it is possible that the i386 folder is there. If you find an i386 folder on one of your discs, copy it to C:\i386 and let me know when you have that so we can apply service pack 3 to it.

I copied folder I386 to C:\.   There are 2 folders in I386:  APPS and DRV -- do I remove the recovery disk in the CD drive

Hmmm those don't seem to be the right files for a windows installation i386 directory. There should be many subfolders and thousands of files... I'm afraid we'll just have to skip that step.

Your comment made me look at the other 2 recovery disks.
#1 Disc has 13,836 files, 582 folders, 3.07GB
#2 Disc has 70 files, 5 folders, 3.81GB
#3 Disc has 32 files, 14 folders, 188MB

Do you think what I need is in any of these? Do you want me to tell you what  the folders are name and the files inside them?  What type of file can I attach to this post?

There is thousands of files, but here is a snapshot of what is in the i386 folder of my XP pro SP3 CD. Image attached.

Looks like my Disc #1
Folders:
APPS
ASMA
COMPDATA
DIST
DRV
DRW
Fonts
inf
LANG
SYSTEM32
Winsys

and 13,836 files

The folders/files listed on my Disc #1 are actually inside Folder I386, so that must be the one.

FYI - this is what's on Disc 2 & 3
Disc#2:
Folders:
APPS
DRV
PRELOAD
------------
HPCD.sys file
Master.log

Disc #3:
Folders:
hp
I386
PRELOAD
Tools
-------------
HPCD.sys file
Master.log

It sounds like you have what you need on disc 1. It still may not work if geek squad used a different installation disc when they fixed your computer. Run sfc /scannow again, and when it asks for you for your XP cd, put that in. If it says it can't find the file, click browse and point it to the location of the file it is asking for (usually not in a subfolder, but sometimes in LANG some other folder).

Actually geek squad used these disks to fix it -  and a few weeks later, more trouble, they couldn't figure out what was going on, so I ended up contacting an HP tech who walked me through the full restoration, which I think is the correct terminology for making the computer just like it was when I took it out of the box it came it.

So,  I'll run the sfc again and do what you instructed.

Yep. When you install windows from a normal windows CD, it "builds" windows on your computer. When you do a restore, it usually takes a image of a hard drive that someone else configured and copies it onto your hard drive.

In other words, installing windows is like drawing a picture on a piece of paper (hard drive). Doing a restoration is like making a photocopy of a picture someone else drew.

Almost through with the sfc /scannow, message on screen:  Insert your Windows XP Professional CD2 now," momentarily followed with message: "The CD you provided is the wrong CD."   I have XP{something}CD1, and it isn't XP Pro.
I'm leaving for an appointment now.  

Before I start looking for XP Pro CDs, why would the [sfc]scan request XP Pro when my OS at time of purchase was XP Home?  I hit  start> run, typed:  win.ver ->
WindowsXP Media Center Edition, Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236: ServicePack 3).  Not sure this has any bearing on this issue.  
Thanks.

I did a little digging and found out that Media Center is just a fancied up version of XP Professional. As for it asking for CD 2, click OK and when it fails to find the file click browse and let me know what file it is looking for. Odds are that you have it somewhere on one of your other CDs if it is not on the main one.

Thanks for digging.  I tried all 3CD's again,  and got the same "CD you provided is the wrong CD - insert Win XP Pro CD2" message.  
When I ckick [OK] on that message, it brings me back to the same message "files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache - insert your XP Pro CD2..." available options on that screen:
[Retry] which I already did
[Cancel]
[More information], click on that and : Possible reasons for this problem: [a]you have inserted the wrong CD (i.e., a different Windows product CD than the version installed) or [b] the CD-ROM drive is not functioning.  

There is no "click browse" any where

The discs I have are the ones I created when I bought the comp and HP recommended creating recovery discs to be able to restore the system to its original factory state . . .

After hitting cancel approx 8 times, within a minute, the sfc closed by itself, I rebooted, rt. clicked my desktop, Display Properties opened up, I clicked on [DESKTOP] tab, and after a pause, the top of the window is : Display Properties (Not Responding). I closed the window, and I got the same msgs that prompted my question to ExpertsExchange on 03.15.2009 at 11:17 PM PDT.

This time I wrote down the message sequence and their content:

1. End program - rundll32.exe, program not responding
2. Run a DLL as an APP - you chose to end a non-responsive program, Run a DLL as an App
3. Tell microsoft about it.
4. To see what data this error report contains, click[ed] here:
ERROR SIGNATURE
szAppNamw: rundll32.exe szAppVer: 5.1.2600.5512
szModName: hungapp szModVer: 0.0.0.0 offset 00000000
5. To view tech info about error report click[ed] here
TECHNICAL REPORT
C:\DOCUME~1\HP_ADM~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERcb74.dir00\rundll32.exe.mdmp
C:\DOCUME~1\HP_ADM~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERcb74.dir00\appcompat.txt

Per your instruction on ID 23946189 03.21.2009 at 12:04 AM PDT:  
"6. Reboot and test your display tab. If it doesn't work, go ahead and try to recreate the profile again."

as instructed on ID 23942849 03.20.2009 at 12:16 PM PDT,

"The problem is most likely the user registry hive NTUSER.DAT, which is in the user profile C:\Documents and Settings\{username}. You do not need to recreate the user just to recreate the profile. I recommend the following steps:

1. As the problem user, clear your internet cache (makes the profile smaller) and reboot (it is not sufficient to log off) and then log as a different user.
2. Rename the problem user's profile to {username}.OLD
3. Log off and log into the problem user account. This will create a new fresh profile.
4. Test the display tab. If it is still not working, the problem is something else.
5. Copy each of the following folders from the old profile to the new one one at a time: Desktop, Favorites, My Documents, Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch. As each of these folders copies successfully, delete the source folder (I do not recommend CUT and paste because if you run into any errors, it leaves you with a messy situation).
6. KEEP the old profile as you may need to retrieve program specific settings, encryption or DRM keys, etc."
 
I'm not ready to give up.
 

I'm sorry to hear that the other actions didn't fix your problem. Rest assured that they still will benefit your computer's stability in the future. If you've started to recreate the profile, then go ahead and finish that first. Otherwise, I think we should try an updated graphics driver first.

Do you know what brand of graphic card you have?  You can find out by right clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties. Select the Hardware tab and click on the Device Manager button. Doubleclick on Display Adapters to open it and show your adapter(s). Let me know what you have there and we'll find you the right driver. I've attached a screenshot of what I'm looking for.


Something else you can look at:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/XP/Q_20778140.html?qid=20778140 suggests that the problem may be a dll file call xplugin.dll. If you see this file here: Windows>system32>xplugin.dll, then try to delete it. I really don't think that will be it though.

Have not recreated profile
I have NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
I'll look for xplugin.dll and delete if found.
Thanks.

Windows>system32>xplugin.dll --- not found

After 4 minutes, [Desktop] tab OPENED!  But, the only background options are some of my own pictures!?
 

"After 4 minutes, [Desktop] tab OPENED!  But, the only background options are some of my own pictures!?"

Was this before or after installing the driver, or recreating the profile... and when you say after 4 minutes, does that mean it took 4 minutes to open?

after installing the driver
I have not recreated the profile
yes, 4 minutes to open the tab

I assume it took so long to open because of the large amount of pictures???

It shouldn't.... if you have over 100-150 pictures in the My Pictures folder it should not be displaying any of them, and less than 150 shouldn't make a noticeable difference. Have you rebooted since you installed your new display driver? You can test to see if these pictures are causing a problem by temporarily moving them to a different folder.

"It" does
I have way over 150 pics in MyPictures
I rebooted after the driver install

When I hit [Browse] in [Desktop] Background, it opens up in Internet Explorer Folder with 2 files of type: Background Files - [1] Quick Launch folder and [2]Internet Explorer Wallpaper, 1902KB BMP file.  When I click on Quick Launch folder, nothing. When I click on IE Wallpaper nothing.  

I looked at my laptop and the display properties>desktop>background browse opens in C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper.  I found the file in the Browse button, but when I open the Wallpaper folder, I see all the images provided by microsoft, but can't click shift to select all and open.  I can select each item individually.  *&^%$#@

Sorry, all the Web Wallpapers are there - in alpha order with my pictures.  I have to figure out how to get those pics out.

BTW,  My Computer folder does not appear on my Start Menu.  In Customize Start Menu>Advanced>My Computer the Display as a link is checked.  My desktop shows Shortcut to My Computer, I click to open and in the Address box I scroll down to click on which drive I want to open.  Know how to put My Computer folder back on the Start Menu and My Desktop?

I'm not sure I follow, but the browse button will take you to the folder where you last successfully picked a wallpaper, so just click where I've indicated on the screenshot to select my documents, and then you can pick My Pictures from there and pick your wallpaper. You can only select one wallpaper at a time.

How many items are in your desktop wallpaper selection area?

What step takes 4 minutes? Selecting the desktop tab? clicking browse?

With all due respect, did you read both my posts?  

It takes 4+ minutes when I SELECT the desktop tab.

"How many items are in your desktop wallpaper selection area?"
Do you mean, when I click on browse while in the desktop background area?
If so, it opens up in Browse, Look in:  My Pictures, all 21.8 GB of them.
I assume you meant for me to open My Documents in Browse, and when I do, it opens up in My Documents, all 46.4 GB of them.

Your  .jpg of the Browse has My Computer on the far left column -- I don't have that there.  

Yes, I did see that, but you have to understand that I must clarify things constantly because people that are not very familiar with computers tend to accidentally describe the incorrect scenario (for example, I can't tell you how many users have told me that their computer won't boot, only to find out the computer boots fine, but Microsoft Word or Outlook won't open). It would be normal for the computer to take a while when clicking browse if there are thousands of pictures, but not normal when clicking the desktop tab itself (as it should only be loading maximum 150 image names). How many items are on this list?

I understand, and I'm glad I'm not the only one with stupid comments or questions.  Sorry.

There are well over 1,000 pictures.  So far, I've counted 700 (starting w.$.80 beers to B0000090) and the slider on the right hasn't even moved. My guess is roughly 24,500 images, ergo my assumption that it is taking so long for the desktop tab to open.

Hmm that would definitely cause the 4 minute delay! Let me do some research to see if I can figure out how to fix that. On my computer, when I put over a couple hundred pictures into My Pictures then it doesn't show any of them in the list, only the default windows ones. When I have fewer pictures, they all show up on the list. I'll get back to you soon.

No rush.  Thanks!

After reading dozens, if not hundreds of posts (two of which were on EE), only one of them reported any success in treating this problem. I do have a couple suggestions.

1. Go to http://update.microsoft.com and ensure your computer is fully updated.

2. Run a search in your My Pictures Folder for any of the files in the attached picture. If you see any of them, either delete them or rename them to something else. This is from post #51 on http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic100105-3.html

If neither of the above two works, I'm afraid you'll either have to live with it or you'll have to move your pictures to a different folder. There are many posts that indicate this is the default behavior of Windows XP, but it does not do it on my machine (after 100 or so pictures), so it may be a Media Center bug.

If you need help in moving your pictures, let me know. You can also trick your system into looking in a different location, but that may affect other programs and I don't really recommend it. You may be able to change your default wallpaper directory and that may get rid of all the other entries. Let me know if the above two options don't work.

OK, I'll do both and get back to you.  I recognize Zapotec.bmp right away. Thank you!

Note that these are default wallpapers. Don't delete them from C:\Windows (unless you want to remove them from your system completely). Only delete them if they are in your "My Pictures" folder.

Express Results:
No high-priority updates for your computer are available. To check for optional updates, return to our home page and click Custom
Custom Results:
No high-priority updates for your computer are available. To select other updates, use the options to the left.

Optional hardware updates (1): hmmmmm .... THIS IS WHAT I HAD before YOU GAVE ME THE NEW LINK FOR A DIFFERENT ONE
NVIDIA NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Driver update for NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Download size: 25.2 MB , 2 minutes

The .bmp images are NOT in My Picture file

Do you prefer Vista or XP Pro?

I read the #51 post you referenced, and I think I might have more than one picture file, so hang on . . .

I have the same 11 BMP Default Wallpaper files as you attached in ID:23998097, PLUS the following:

Picture It! Wallpaper  4,219 KB BMP  6/17/2008
Roxio PhotoSuite Wallpaper  1,899 KB BMP  9/20/2008
Roxio Wallpaper  1,899 KB BMP  9/20/2008

Might these be part of the problem?
I could fing no other BMP files in my picture folders

I meant "find" BMP files.  Should I delete the above 3 files?  If this doesn't help, should I still try to create a new profile and copy over files?  Could you please tell me how I can get My Computer to appear back on my screen and my Start Menu?

Hey there. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I was writing a script to fix this for you.  I've attached the script. Delete the ".txt" extension and run it. Read the intro and select option 1. Option 2 just puts everything back the way it started, in case you don't like the change. This script will create a folder called "Default" in your My Pictures folder. The display tab will only list files in that folder. Because this is a workaround and not a fix, any program that is looking for "My Pictures" may default to the "Default" folder, but this shouldn't cause a problem. It will also make this change for all future users, but not any other ones already created (if you want that, you'll have to run this from each user). The code is below in case anyone reading wants to know.

To answer your other question, just follow the images I've posted.

@echo off
 
Set DefaultProfilePics=%systemdrive%\Documents And Settings\Default User\My Documents\My Pictures\
 
::FIX #Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
::FIX #
::FIX #[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]
::FIX #"My Pictures"=hex(2):25,00,55,00,53,00,45,00,52,00,50,00,52,00,4f,00,46,00,49,\
::FIX #  00,4c,00,45,00,25,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,44,00,6f,00,63,00,75,00,6d,00,\
::FIX #  65,00,6e,00,74,00,73,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,50,00,69,00,63,00,74,00,75,\
::FIX #  00,72,00,65,00,73,00,5c,00,44,00,65,00,66,00,61,00,75,00,6c,00,74,00,00,00
::FIX #
::FIX #[HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]
::FIX #"My Pictures"=hex(2):25,00,55,00,53,00,45,00,52,00,50,00,52,00,4f,00,46,00,49,\
::FIX #  00,4c,00,45,00,25,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,44,00,6f,00,63,00,75,00,6d,00,\
::FIX #  65,00,6e,00,74,00,73,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,50,00,69,00,63,00,74,00,75,\
::FIX #  00,72,00,65,00,73,00,5c,00,44,00,65,00,66,00,61,00,75,00,6c,00,74,00,00,00
 
::UNFIX # Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
::UNFIX #
::UNFIX # [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]
::UNFIX # "My Pictures"=hex(2):25,00,55,00,53,00,45,00,52,00,50,00,52,00,4f,00,46,00,49,\
::UNFIX #   00,4c,00,45,00,25,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,44,00,6f,00,63,00,75,00,6d,00,\
::UNFIX #   65,00,6e,00,74,00,73,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,50,00,69,00,63,00,74,00,75,\
::UNFIX #   00,72,00,65,00,73,00,00,00
::UNFIX #
::UNFIX # [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]
::UNFIX # "My Pictures"=hex(2):25,00,55,00,53,00,45,00,52,00,50,00,52,00,4f,00,46,00,49,\
::UNFIX #   00,4c,00,45,00,25,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,44,00,6f,00,63,00,75,00,6d,00,\
::UNFIX #   65,00,6e,00,74,00,73,00,5c,00,4d,00,79,00,20,00,50,00,69,00,63,00,74,00,75,\
::UNFIX #   00,72,00,65,00,73,00,00,00
 
CLS
Echo.
Echo Background List / My Pictures Workaround
Echo.
Echo This is a workaround to address a glitch with Windows XP, where all of the
Echo pictures in the "My Pictures" folder (and its subfolders) are listed in the
Echo background selection list of the Desktop tab of the Display Properties applet
Echo (right click on desktop -- properties).
Echo.
Echo This problem only manifests itself on some systems and its cause is unknown.
Echo Some systems list no pictures from the "My Pictures" folder, some systems list
Echo all the pictures unless there is more than 100-150 (then it lists none) - this
Echo is probably the XP design intention, and still other systems will list every
Echo single picture.
Echo.
Echo.
PAUSE
 
CLS
Echo.
Echo Background List / My Pictures Workaround
Echo.
Echo In cases where there are thousands of pictures in the "My Pictures" folder
Echo (and its subfolders), this glitch can cause the Desktop tab to freeze for
Echo several minutes or crash. It is recommended that you do not use this workaround
Echo unless your system is adversly affected.
Echo.
Echo ==What the workaround does==
Echo.
Echo This script will redirect the location where XP expects to find your pictures
Echo (and possible desktop backgrounds) to a subfolder in "My Pictures" called
Echo "Default" (%%USERPROFILE%%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default). It will also create
Echo the "My Pictures\Default" folder if it doesn't already exist. Some programs
Echo that use "My Pictures" may save things to this folder, and anything you put in
Echo this folder will show up on the background selection list.
Echo.
Echo.
PAUSE
 
:Choiceloop
CLS
Set choice=
Echo.
Echo Background List / My Pictures Workaround
Echo.
Echo.
Echo 1. Apply Workaround.
Echo 2. Remove Workaround.
Echo 3. Exit
Echo.
Echo.
Set /P choice=Please enter your selection and press [ENTER]:
 
IF "%choice%"=="" goto :Choiceloop
IF "%choice:~0,1%"=="1" goto :Apply
IF "%choice:~0,1%"=="2" goto :Remove
IF "%choice:~0,1%"=="3" goto :eof
goto :Choiceloop
 
 
:Apply
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to create the "Default" folder in the Default User's My Pictures...
IF EXIST "%DefaultProfilePics%\" (IF NOT EXIST "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default\" MD "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default")
IF EXIST "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default\" ATTRIB +R "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default"
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to create the "Default" folder in the Current User's My Pictures...
IF NOT EXIST "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default\" MD "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default"
IF EXIST "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default\" ATTRIB +R "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default"
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to merge registry changes...
 
IF EXIST "%temp%\temp.reg" del "%temp%\temp.reg"
 
For /f "tokens=1* delims=# usebackq" %%A in (`findstr /B "::FIX" "%0"`) do IF "%%B"=="" (echo.>>"%temp%\temp.reg") else (echo %%B>>"%temp%\temp.reg")
 
REGEDT32 /S "%temp%\temp.reg"
Echo.
Echo.
Echo Workaround applied. Press any key to exit&PAUSE>nul
 
IF EXIST "%temp%\temp.reg" del "%temp%\temp.reg"
 
goto :eof
 
:Remove
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to remove the "Default" folder from the Default User's My Pictures...
IF EXIST "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default\" ATTRIB -R "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default"
rd "%DefaultProfilePics%\Default"
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to remove the "Default" folder from the Current User's My Pictures...
IF EXIST "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default\" ATTRIB -R "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default"
rd "%UserProfile%\My Documents\My Pictures\Default"
 
Echo.
Echo Attempting to undo registry changes...
 
IF EXIST "%temp%\temp.reg" del "%temp%\temp.reg"
 
For /f "tokens=1* delims=# usebackq" %%A in (`findstr /B "::UNFIX" "%0"`) do IF "%%B"=="" (echo.>>"%temp%\temp.reg") else (echo %%B>>"%temp%\temp.reg")
 
REGEDT32 /S "%temp%\temp.reg"
Echo.
Echo.
Echo Workaround removed. Press any key to exit&PAUSE>nul
 
IF EXIST "%temp%\temp.reg" del "%temp%\temp.reg"
 
goto :eof
                                              

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To download the script, Right click on the link and "Save link as..." and for the filename put this in:
"Background-List-Workaround.bat"
Make sure to include the quotes. This will remove the .txt extension. (EE won't let me upload executable files).

WOW! No worries.  I'm impressed and a little intimidated.  I will begin momentarily.

Regarding putting My Computer back on my desktop and on my start menu, I failed to tell you I already did exactly what you showed in the images provided.  When in [desktop] Customize Desktop, [ ] My Computer is NOT an option.  It is there, but not highlighted and can't be ckicked on .... ?

One question before I begin, and I apologize in advance for not finding it, but where is  the "link" you refer to here:

"To download the script, Right click on the link and "Save link as..." and for the filename put this in: "Background-List-Workaround.bat" Make sure to include the quotes. This will remove the .txt extension. (EE won't let me upload executable files).

Thanks.

hmmmm.... I'll have to check into that My computer thing.

The link is at the very end of post  24010935. See the green box in my attachment.

Am I supposed to be clicking "Yes / No / Accept Multiple Solutions / Accept as Solution" on each comment you make?

I downloaded the script, saved it as instructed, chose Option 1.  Opened display properties/desktop and still the "pictures" are still there.  I rebooted the system and the same results occur.  I couldn't find the file in My Pictures (sorted everyway possible), so I did a search and it appeared right away in:  C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Desktop\My Pictures.  I looked again and it wasn't there.  I copied the Default folder from the search file to my desktop and then put it into My Pictures file.  

The My Computer icon issue was successfully corrected as you instructed! Thanks!

I'm glad to hear about your My Computer icon. Don't accept an answer quite yet. When you do accept an answer, choose multiple solutions and pick the post that included the instruction that actually fixed the problem, then pick assisted solutions that also helped or led up to that solution. I get the same amount of points either way, so it is primarily to draw attention to the solution the quickest for future readers.

I'm really curious as to why the workaround didn't work. Did you get any errors between the "attempting" messages?

When you go here, are all of your pictures here: C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Desktop\My Pictures

As if you have nothing else to do . . . his is weird.  Prior to 3.15.09 I was able to access this particular site without any problem.  I tried today and the following message appears:

"clsData.Execute() error 'ffffffff'
Application uses a value of the wrong type for the current operation. procedure='ins_LoginTrack';parameter='clientdescription';parametervalue='Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; GTB5; .NET CLR 1.0.3705; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; Media Center PC 4.0; InfoPath.1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.30; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.648; .NET CLR 3.0.4506.2152; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; OfficeLiveConnector.1.3; OfficeLivePatch.0.0)'
/classes/clsData.asp, line 373

Please wait while we validate your login"

While waiting for it to validate my login, I opened my new laptop, and was able to access that site and get into my account without any problem.

Then I went back to my desktop to look at the status of "Please wait while we validate your login" and it is still waiting.  I click ctrl+alt+del and task mgr. shows the IE task as still running.  I minimize IE, click on Safari, access the site and login to that site - fast.   I called  the credit union which owns the site, and they are not experiencing any problems (and if they were it would have a message to that effect).  

I don't expect you to solve this problem, but perhaps it's some simple thing with IE on this desktop easy to "fix."

In response to ID 24022972, I was busy posting a comment while multi-tasking and didn't notice you sent a response to my prior post.

I have all 21.8 GB of photos in My Picture folder.  

You asked "Did you get any errors between the "attempting" messages?"
I don't think so, but I remember having to click on any key to exit.  Should I try it again and pay attention to the DOS verbage?

RE:  ID:24022972  
I ran the Background program again and yes, there are errors:

"Please enter your selection and press ENTER: 1

Attempting to create the "Default" folder in the Default User's My Pictures ......
Attempting to create the "Default" folder in the Current  User's My Pictures ......

Attempting to merge registry changes . . .
FINDSTR:  Cannot open C:|Documents
FINDSTR:  Cannot open and
FINDSTR:  Cannot open Settings\HP\Administrator\Desktop\Background-List-Workaround.bat

Workaround applied.  Press any key to exit "

Sorry I didn't read anything but the l;ast sentance when I hit a key to exit.  Hope this didn't ruin your day.

As for your website error, I don't really know. You might want to open a new question on that one.

For sure.

Did the new script work?

YES!  Thanks!  You should get 50,000 points!  I thought I submitted a post to this effect.  Is now the right time to "accept and award points?"

Great to hear it! Wow that was a marathon but I'm glad it's working.

As for the acceptance of multiple answers: the solution should go to 23992960, because the driver update is what prevented the crash, but you should also give assisted solutions to 23946189, 23949628, 23987191, 24015733, and 24024864.

As for bonus points, any attempt to give more than 500 points per question is against the terms of service.

This question is actually 4 questions or so, and I love to help, but in retrospect, it should have definitely been split into separate questions. As it is now, it will not be very easy for someone experiencing one of these problems to quickly locate the solution. Ideally each thread should have one clear question and one clear answer. I'll insist on that in the future, but for today I'm glad your problems are fixed. :)

I already kind-of accepted some answers, and not nearly all of the correct ones.  Can I redo acceptance of multiple answers?  I thank you again for your help and should have stayed on the original problem.  

hmmm.. I don't know. I don't see that any answers were accepted. Clicking the Yes / No buttons has nothing to do with accepting answers, if that's what you mean. If you accept the wrong answers you can always ask an admin to change it.