Active Desktop problem

[mcloum]

Hi all,

 

We have setup desktop backgrounds via group policy all working but recently (well the last 6 months or so) we have been getting the message "Internet Explorer cannot find the Active Desktop HTML file. This file is needed for your Active Desktop. To turn off active desktop press OK"

 

I have seen some google posts regarding an IE dll is corrupt but i dont think this will be the issue.

 

Mike

Edited November 17, 2008 by mcloum

[Michael]

If you're running IE7 on Windows XP it pretty much stops Active Desktop working. There probably are workarounds; the easiest one being returning to IE6. Alternatively use an application like BGInfo to control desktop backgrounds.

[mcloum]

yes we are using IE7, seems daft that we cant control backgrounds unless we downgrade to IE6.

[Michael]

I agree, but you're not alone. Microsoft don't always make the most logical decisions.

[zag]

Try using bginfo, it lets you control any desktop background without enabling active desktop. It can also show system stats on the screen which is very useful.

[mcloum]

Is it MSI deployable?

[Michael]

I usually place it within the NETLOGON share (along with your logon scripts) as it's tiny.

 

@ECHO OFF
net time \\SERVERNAME /set /yes
REM * Sets Background desktop *
if exist %systemroot%\bginfo.exe goto tools
copy \\SERVERNAME\netlogon\tools\BGINFO\BGINFO.EXE %SYSTEMROOT% /Y
:tools
%SYSTEMROOT%\bginfo.exe /i"\\SERVERNAME\netlogon\tools\bginfo\logon.bgi" /timer:0

REM * Sets Background desktop *
%SYSTEMROOT%\bginfo.exe /i"\\SERVERNAME\netlogon\tools\bginfo\logoff.bgi" /timer:0

 

You can change logon.bgi to whatever you want (for different user groups). Such as stafflogon.bgi, adminlogon.bgi etc