Help me customize my desktop in Windows 7

Hi Ansley,

Windows 7 Starter Edition is the version most OEM Netbooks have. Unfortunately, the Windows 7 Starter Edition does not have the capability to change desktop wallpapers, change themes, and have the “Aero” interface. Now let's see what we can do with your dilemma.

• Going around Windows 7 Starter’s limitation of not being able to change desktop wallpapers is a tool called “Personalization Panel for Windows 7 starter” that allows users to change their desktop backgrounds, windows color, screensaver, and sounds.
• Stardock has a theme manager called “My Colors” which allows theme management on Windows 7 Starter Editions.
• Hewlett Packard (HP) has a special Stardock My Colors desktop theme here. It should give you a nice look compared to the dull non-aero basic starter default.
• For those wishing an Aero-like theme, take a peek at another My Colors desktop theme at the link .
• Using the “Oceanis Change Background Windows 7” program, starter users can change desktop backgrounds effortlessly. It also supports desktop slideshow wallpaper change.
• Using the Windows Registry Editor.
• One can change their desktop wallpaper background by following some simple steps:

1. Click on “Start” and type “regedit” without the quotes in the “Search Programs and files” box or “run” command.

2. Navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\” and click on it.

3. Locate the key named “Wallpaper”, double click on it and place the path of the desktop image you want as your new desktop background ( Example “C:\Users\John Doe\Pictures\sample wallpaper.jpg” or any location).

4. Now right-click on the “Desktop” folder and click “Permissions” on the left pane.

5. Click “Advanced”, then “Owner”, highlight your name where it says “Change owner to” and click “OK”.

6. Click on “Advanced” anew, uncheck the button that says “Include inheritable permissions from the object’s parent”, confirm “Remove” when asked to.

7. Click “Add”, type “Everyone” and click “OK”.

8. Check Allow “Read Control” and click “OK”.

9. Click “OK” again, highlight “Everyone” and tick allow “Read”, before a final “OK”.

10. Restart/Reboot Computer.

• For those who are reluctant with registry editing, one work around is to choose another picture that you desire as your new desktop background, rename it the same way as the current background file name and copy or overwrite on its location. It’s easy and does not require editing the registry.