If you have Windows 7 Starter edition installed on your netbook, you may be frustrated that you can't change the wallpaper. While there's no built-in way to change the wallpaper, there are ways to bypass that restriction. Follow this guide to set your own image as wallpaper.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Installing Third Party Programs
Step 1. Download a wallpaper replacement program
There are several options available for free on the internet. The most popular choice is Oceans. You can download it here. Oceanis is a free program, and is not reported to contain any viruses or malware. This guide is designed for Oceanists.
Step 2. Extract the ZIP file
The.zip file that you downloaded contains an.exe file. To extract it, right-click the.zip file and select Extract All… You will be asked to specify where to save the extracted file. Once you've extracted the files, drag the newly extracted Oceanis_Change_Background_W7.exe file to your desktop.
Step 3. Run the file
Double-click the Oceanis_Change_Background_W7.exe file once it's on your desktop. Your computer will automatically restart. After your computer restarts, you will notice that your computer background has changed to Oceanis background by default.
Step 4. Open Oceanis
After your computer reboots, open the Oceanis Change Background Windows 7 shortcut. This will open the Oceanis program, which will allow you to browse through your computer for a new background image.
Check the box next to multiple images to create a desktop slideshow. You can change the slideshow settings if you want
Method 2 of 2: Editing the Registry
Step 1. Open regedit
You can use this program to edit entries in the Windows Registry. Click the Start menu and type "regedit" into the search box. Select regedit from the list of programs that appears.
- Be careful when editing regedit, as changing the wrong values can render your computer inoperable.
- Navigate to the right folder. In the left frame, select the HKEY_CURRENT_USER child. From the directory list, select Control Panel. In the Control Panel drop-down, select Desktop.
Step 2. Change the wallpaper path
After selecting Desktop, look for the entry named Wallpaper and double-click on it. In the box, enter the path for the new wallpaper image.
Example: “C:\Users\John\Pictures\new_wallpaper.jpg”
Step 3. Change the permissions
Right-click the Desktop folder. Click the Permissions option. Select Advanced then the Owner tab. In the "Change owner to" box, highlight your name (it should only contain you and the administrator) and press OK.
- Click Advanced again. Uncheck the box that says “Include inheritable permissions from the object’s parent…” When you are asked, click Remove.
- Click Add. Type "Everyone" into the box and hit OK. Allow Read Control, then click OK. Click OK in the next window.
- Highlight the new Everyone entry and check Allow for Read. Click OK.
Step 4. Restart your computer
After your computer restarts, you will see your new desktop wallpaper..
