About this tag
Active Desktop was a Windows feature that allowed users to set HTML or SWF files as the desktop background, popular in Windows XP. Users on Windows 8 and later have reported that this functionality is no longer supported, as the operating system only recognizes static image formats like GIF (which do not animate) and does not accept HTML or SWF files. Some users have attempted to work around this by using registry settings or third-party gadgets, such as Active Desktop Calendar, to restore similar behavior. However, issues like shortcuts opening web pages automatically when dragged from IE9 or problems with wallpaper not changing after a system reinstall or sysprep may also be related to Active Desktop settings or conflicts. The tag covers discussions about enabling, disabling, or troubleshooting Active Desktop features across Windows 7, 8, and related versions.
  1. D

    Windows 8 How do I set Desktop Background to .html or .swf in Windows 8

    I just switched from a much older laptop with winXP where I always used simplistic animated .swf files as the desktop background. I cannot do this in Windows 8's personalize section. It won't recognize html or swf as valid background files. Is there a way I can fool the 'control panel' into...
    • Dan Adams
    • Thread
    • active desktop animation background control panel desktop file types html personalization swf windows 8
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Desktop Customization
  2. D

    Windows 7 Web page opens automatically when shortcut is droped on desktop from IE9

    This seems extreamely strange to me... I am trying to save a web page shortcut on my desktop by dragging the link from IE9 address bar directly from IE9 to my desktop. I am doing this on a new HP laptop which came pre-configured with Win7 Ultimate. When I drag a shortcut of the current web...
    • Dan Gualtieri
    • Thread
    • active desktop browser issues desktop hp laptop ie9 internet explorer registry shortcuts webpage windows 7
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Software
  3. GhopR

    Windows 7 Problems after a Re-install of Windows7

    I had to do a re-install today with Windows 7. After the re-install it set up a drive labeled "System K" and I also have a folder called "Windows old". Now I did have back up disc that I made in June that I used after the re-install. That gave me back about 97% of my important info for my apps...
    • GhopR
    • Thread
    • active desktop application error backup file management itunes os management program icons reinstall software compatibility spybot startup issues system drive taskbar troubleshooting user help windows 7 windows live windows.old
    • Replies: 8
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  4. arowanaj

    Windows 7 Creating Startup Shortcuts for Windows Desktop Gadgets

    Hi guys! I have searched for a guide to make shortcuts to gadgets e.x "C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe" /showcalender Have´nt find anything. Do anyone of you know how I can do this? I got an active desktop gadget that I want to start every boot time even if anyone has closed it...
    • arowanaj
    • Thread
    • active desktop boot time calendar gadgets guide program files shortcuts sidebar startup windows
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  5. L

    Windows 7 Unable to set a picture as background

    I'm an admin on a Windows 7 PRO 64 bit Problem is I can't set an image for my wallpaper or I can't change my wallpaper I did a sysprep on a ref machine and since reloading the image(with imagex) I can't change the background, it's black and there is no way to set an image as a background...
    • lemire
    • Thread
    • active desktop administrator background configuration custom profile display issues ease of access image imagex personalization policy policy management registry settings sysprep taskbar troubleshooting wallpaper windows 7
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support