Format of Icons on Desktop

[Lancer940]

I am running XP Pro SP2.

I have recently had Windows reinstalled on my PC and the format of the icons
on my desktop has changed and I would like to know how to get them back to
normal.

Specifically, the text below each icon appears to be in a filled text box
(unlike before where they appeared to have no fill and only turned blue when
you selected one) and I would like the to go back to having no fill in order
that you can see the desktop underneath.

I have tried changing the Colour of these text boxes
(Desktop/Properties/Display Properties/Desktop/Color/Other) but the options
all seem to be solid colours rather than No Fill or Transparent.

Does anyone have any suggestions please?

If necessary I can mail Screen Shots.

Kind regards,

Paul

 

[Alan Edwards]

I don't see the connection with Office but try this:

Control Panel-System-Advanced-Performance Settings.
Check "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop" on the Visual
Effects tab

....Alan

 

[Lancer940]

Alan,

Many thanks, that sorted out a really annoying little problem.

Appreciate you time.

Paul

 

[IdeaCatalyst]

I have two XP-Pro SP2 laptops. This fix works for one of them but not for
the other. Any other ideas?

 

[Alan Edwards]

That is a rather old response you are quoting.
Try this one:

Four things are required for transparent icon backgrounds:

1.Control Panel-System-Advanced-Performance Settings.
Check "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop" on the Visual
Effects tab.

2.Right-click on Desktop - "Arrange Icons by" and ensure Lock Web
items is cleared.

3.Transparency will not work if you have web content on your desktop,
Control Panel - Display Properties - Desktop tab - Customize Desktop -
Web tab. Clear all check boxes.

4. Ensure the Wallpaper is an image file not HTML.

See:
Desktop icons and icon labels may not display background transparency
or the drop shadow effect in Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305117

....Alan