Things You'll Need:
- Computer running Windows XP
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Step 1
If you haven't already chosen a background image, see the Resources section for an article on how to find one. If you prefer, however, you can just choose from one of the default backgrounds Windows provides.
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Step 2
Find an empty spot on the desktop, and right-click. From the menu that pops up, click "Properties."
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Step 3
Near the top of the window that appears is a row of tabs. Click on the one that says "Desktop."
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Step 4
If you want to use your own background, look to the middle of the right side of the window. Click the button that says "Browse..." Navigate through the folders until you find the background you want to use, and click "Open."
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Step 5
If you don't have a specific background you want to use, click on any one of the files listed in the box on the left side of the window. The picture within the monitor at the top of the window changes, giving you a preview of your desktop with that background.
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Step 6
On the lower-right side of the window, under the "Position:" label, click on the down arrow of the drop-down list. Selecting "Center" centers the background image on your desktop, but doesn't resize it. If the image happens to be smaller than the size of the desktop, a solid color border is put around it. If the image is bigger, the edges of the image are cut off. Selecting the "Tile" option repeats the image in both the horizontal and vertical directions, which is good if the image is very small. Selecting "Stretch" forces the image to fit the desktop no matter its size or dimensions. This can cause distortion and make the image look bad if it's enlarged too much. Try each option to see which one looks the best.
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Step 7
If you selected "Center," and don't like the border color, click on the down arrow underneath the "Color:" label. Choose a color by clicking on one of the colors, or for more options, click on the "Other..." button. Click anywhere in the rainbow to get the color you want. To adjust the darkness of the color, click on the black left arrow on the right side of the window, and hold the button down. Move the mouse up or down to make the color lighter or darker. When you're finished, click "OK."
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Step 8
Click "OK" to apply the apply the background to the desktop and to close the window. If you like your new desktop, you're done. If you hate it, then change it.
