Wallpaper setting does not apply correctly when you create a custom default user profile ?
Published: June 23, 2005Send your feedback
Symptom
When you create a custom default user profile by copying a preconfigured user profile to the Default User profile using System applet in Control Panel, the wallpaper setting may not apply correctly when a new user logs in to the system.
Cause
This happens if you're set a JPG image as the desktop wallpaper (via the Desktop Properties, Background tab) while customizing an user account. When you set a JPG image as the wallpaper, Windows converts the JPG file to a BMP and stores the file within the user profile path here:
%Userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft
And the Wallpaper registry value is set to: (an example)
C:\Documents and Settings\Ramesh\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp
in the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop
When the customized user profile is copied to the Default User profile, the exact Wallpaper path is retained in the registry. Whereas, the newly created user account may not have sufficient Permissions to access the wallpaper1.bmp file. Therefore, the wallpaper setting may not apply to the newly created user profiles.
Resolution
To workaround the problem, while customizing the Default User profile:
- Choose a .BMP file as the Desktop background
- Place the .BMP in a common location such as C:\Windows. This is to ensure that the BMP file is accessible by all users.
Related articles
HOW TO: Create a Custom Default User Profile
The Desktop.ini File Does Not Work Correctly When You Create a Custom Default Profile
