You cannot change your desktop theme in Windows XP

Article ID: 883391 - View products that this article applies to.
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SYMPTOMS

You cannot change desktop themes, and you cannot select the Windows XP theme on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer.
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CAUSE

This problem occurs when the Themes service is stopped.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, start the Themes service. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.
  2. In the list of services, right-click Themes, and then click Properties.
  3. On the General tab, click Automatic in the Startup type list.
  4. On the General tab, click Start under Service status, and then click OK.
  5. Exit Services.
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STATUS

This behavior is by design.
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Properties

Article ID: 883391 - Last Review: November 10, 2004 - Revision: 1.3
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Keywords: 
kbtshoot kbprb KB883391
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