Change desktop wallpaper via registry GPO

[Zucarita9000]

I want to create a single wallpaper so all our users use the same one. I know this can be done through an Active Desktop GPO, but I don’t want to use Active Desktop. It uses HTML, makes everything look like crap and the desktop performance drops.

So, I’d like to know how to create a GPO that uses a registry key to change the default wallpaper for ALL USERS (even the logon screen).

Is this possible? I believe it is

 

[Zucarita9000]

Anyone?

 

[jtisgeek]

Whats OS are the users? I set this up a while back at work don't remember where it was but for 7 it's in the admin templates.

 

[Zucarita9000]

I've a mix of XP, Vista and 7. About 4 7 machines, 6 Vistas and about 25 XPs.

 

[jtisgeek]

I've a mix of XP, Vista and 7. About 4 7 machines, 6 Vistas and about 25 XPs.

Not going to fun with all the different types since xp gpo will be different than 7 somethings carry over but not alot at work we have to run to different OU's for xp machine and then for vista 7 machines.

Let me look threw my stuff and I see what I can come up with for you.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Oh, that'll be great. Thanks a lot!

 

[bruceb]

In XP do it this way:

For XP Pro. Here is how to do it:

Go to Start --> Run and type "gpedit.msc" without quotes. In Group Policy Editor, go to:

Local Computer Policy --> User Configuration --> Administrative Templates --> Control Panel --> Display

There you have the setting with name "Prevent Changing Wallpaper".

Also look at this link: http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/48343.aspx

Roaming profiles may be a big help here.

Enable this setting to do what you desire.

Or also thru the registry as below:

NoChangingWallpaper - Disable the ability to change wallpapers.

NoComponents - Disable components.

NoAddingComponents - Disable the ability to add components.

NoDeletingComponents - Disable the ability to delete components.

NoEditingComponents - Disable the ability to edit components.

NoCloseDragDropBands

NoMovingBands - retrict adjustments to desktop toolbars

NoHTMLWallPaper - only allow bitmaps (BMP) as wallpaper


These restrictions can be used either on a user by user basis by adding it to HKEY_CURRENT_USER or on a computer wide basis by adding it to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

[FONT=verdana,arial]Settings:[/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial]User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
ActiveDesktop][/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,arial]System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
ActiveDesktop][/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,arial]Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,arial]Value: (0 = disable restriction, 1 = enable restriction)[/FONT]