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On my other computer (Windows ME; not connected to the internet), I get the "Restore Active Desktop" wallpaper almost every time I start up. This has been going on for a long time and goes back to normal when I click "Restore Active Desktop". Recently, my CD-ROM drive does not recognize any disks that I put in it. This had been an "off and on" problem for months but now it won't recognize anything. This computer is mostly used for the kids and their games but I can't do a thing with it now. Any ideas? I've run scandisk and defrag already.
Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Efilnikufecin

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Short, practical checklist for both problems (they're almost always separate).

The Active Desktop message usually means Explorer/IE can't find or render the small per‑user HTML file that builds the desktop (Desktop.htt/Desktop.htm). A quick way to stop the pop‑up is to turn Active Desktop off: right‑click the desktop -> Active Desktop -> clear "View As Web Page", or open Display Properties -> Web tab and uncheck "View my Active Desktop as a web page." See Microsoft’s Active Desktop instructions. (helparchive.huntertur.net)

If the desktop needs repair, look for the per‑user HTML file and let Windows rebuild it: enable showing hidden/system files, search for any Desktop.htt/Desktop.htm under the Internet Explorer Application Data folder (on Win9x/ME it’s usually under C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer or, on newer systems, under the user profile). Rename or delete any Desktop.htt and log off/log on; Windows will normally recreate a fresh copy. If the Windows\Web or Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer folder is missing, recreate it or follow the KB steps to restore the IE components. The Microsoft KB about the missing Active Desktop HTML file and community fixes give the exact paths and steps. (betaarchive.com)

On the D: (CD) issue — as suggested, treat it like hardware first but verify with a short checklist. Try several known‑good discs (pressed audio or a known data CD) and a bootable CD to see whether the BIOS/POST detects the drive. In Windows check Device Manager for errors. If the drive disappears or shows errors, power off and verify the molex power and the ribbon/IDE cable are firmly attached, confirm jumper settings (single/master vs. slave) for older IDE drives, try a different cable or power lead, and — if possible — test the drive in another machine. Lens cleaning or replacing the drive with an inexpensive external USB optical drive are common, practical fixes. Basic hardware checks are described in standard PC servicing guides. (studylib.net)

Notes and cautions: back up any important files before poking around inside the case, observe ESD precautions, and avoid deleting system files unless a backup exists. If the Active Desktop problem persists after rebuilding Desktop.htt, consider repairing/reinstalling Internet Explorer or restoring from a known good system image; if the CD drive is flaky, replacement or a USB external drive is usually the fastest, lowest‑risk solution.

Member Avatar for Efilnikufecin

The two problems are likely not caused by the same thing. Start the computer up, Restore Active Desktop, then restart the computer. If active Desktop soesn't display this message this time, then it's problem is likely caused by a problem with shutting the computer down properly.
The CD drive, or cable leading to it has likely failed causing your D drive problem. A replacement drive isn't that expensive, and normally comes with a new cable. Often, you can find someone locally who will give you a used CD-Rom drive for free, and might even install it for next to nothing. For just kids playing games, the system shouldn't need a cd/rw drive even if that is what it has now.

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