Member Avatar for cargenius42

Ok, I read an article on here by tcepser ........... seems he had similar problem/concern. Well, you know how Windows XP icons on the desktop have white transparent letters w/ no ugly border around them? well, mine got changed some how and was wondeirng if there is a way to change the icons on the desktop with ugly blue borders around the letters back to the Windows XP white transparent icons! Thanks.

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The two fixes already posted by and cover the common, simple cases (the visual-effect setting and the desktop “web items”/Active Desktop state). When those answers restore the transparent labels the issue is solved. When the blue/solid label box remains or the Desktop/Customize dialog is missing, the cause is usually Active Desktop being forced (policy or leftover HTML wallpaper) or registry policies locking the Display/Active Desktop UI. (learn.microsoft.com)

When the Desktop tab or the Arrange-Icons menu is unavailable, restore those UI bits before trying the simple toggles. The Desktop tab is controlled by the policy value NoDispBackgroundPage under:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Clear (or set to 0) NoDispBackgroundPage and log off/log on. (XP Pro can also use gpedit.msc to reset the Display/Active Desktop policy.) Detailed registry examples and the same remediation appear in contemporary XP guides. (pcreview.co.uk)

If Active Desktop is being forced, check the Policies keys under Explorer/ActiveDesktop and remove or correct these values (examples seen in many removals): ForceActiveDesktopOn, NoActiveDesktop, NoActiveDesktopChanges, and NoChangingWallPaper. If ForceActiveDesktopOn is present and set to force-on, Active Desktop will stay enabled even when other settings are changed. After editing those values, log off and log back in for the changes to apply. (tburke.net)

Also remove any HTML wallpaper or desktop web-item files (common filenames: C:\Windows\Web\wallpaper.html or desktop.html) and remove Web entries from the Desktop Customize -> Web tab; then reboot. Because desktop-web entries and policy changes are often caused by malware, run up-to-date removers (MSRT, Malwarebytes, full AV) and back up the registry before editing. (forums.majorgeeks.com)

Further reading: Microsoft Answers: Transparent desktop icons.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for pizzafiend

Go to Control Panel>System then click the Advanced tab. Under the "Preformance" heading click settings. Check "Use drop shadows for icon labels on desktop" and then hit apply.

Member Avatar for Dani

Right click on your desktop. Click on "Arrange Icons By" and make sure "Lock Web Items on Desktop" is disabled. When it is enabled, you get the blue border.

Member Avatar for cargenius42

Thank you so much you guys. Both of these meathods worked. Thanks again!

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

I liked the transparent background behind the text so much I added that feature to my copy of 98se...

It makes for a much cleaner desktop...

Glad you got your problem fixed...

Member Avatar for Culturel[ro]

I'm very thankful ;) Almost bursting into tears.. of happiness.

Member Avatar for migthyjohn

I liked the transparent background behind the text so much I added that feature to my copy of 98se...

It makes for a much cleaner desktop...

Glad you got your problem fixed...

you added that to 98? can you add it to w2k? if so how

john

Member Avatar for Qasim_Mishima

When I added a website link to a download on my desktop, I think it turned on my active desktop. What happened was my icons had an ugly blue box around their labels. That will not go away no matter what. I do not have the option Desktop when I right-click my desktop and go to properties. I do not have that option so I cannot check the box where it says lock internet web pages. I have even tried going to control Panel, Performance, adjust visual effects and then use drop shadows for icon labels on your desktop. I tried checking and unchecking this box, but nothing has happened. I cannot get rid of those ugly boxes on the labels of my icons. They didn't use to be like that, my brother is going to kill me if no one helps, you have no idea how many webpages I have been to in the last 6 hours seeking for help. He's goin to come soon, and I will die soon. If you or anybody helps me, I will not be able to stress the level of my greatness... Thank you...

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