How to Change Wallpaper in Windows XP

Wallpaper in Windows XP refers to the images, patterns or colors displayed on your main computer screen behind the many icons on your desktop. Select from photos provided by Windows or use a digital photo of your own. Choose a solid color to frame the images or choose for the color to occupy the screen alone. Changing your wallpaper is easy and it allows you to keep your system personalized.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button at the bottom left corner of your screen. Select "Control Panel."

2. Select "Appearance and Personalization" in the control panel and then click "Personalization."

3. Click "Desktop Background" from the list of functions displayed as available for personalization.

4. Choose the color or image you want to use as your wallpaper from the selections provided by Windows XP or click "Browse" to search your directory for an image of your own. Double-click your choice to load it into the list of available backgrounds and to display it as wallpaper.

5. Use the option "How should the picture be positioned" to direct your selected image either to the center of the screen or to fit the entire screen. Click "OK" to confirm your choice.

6. Select a color to frame a centered image by accessing the "How should the picture be positioned" option. Click "Change Background Color" and select the color you want. Click "OK" to display the color.

Tips & Warnings

• Set an image file listed in your directory or an open image as your wallpaper by right-clicking on the file name or on the image itself and selecting "Set as desktop background."