Try this to change the desktop background...
Right click the Desktop | Properties | Desktop tab

If you're having problems with right clicking, see these...

Right-click is slow or weird behavior caused by context menu handlers
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/slowrightclick.htm

Right-click is extremely slow only when Network is enabled
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rcdelay.htm


Additional info...

How to Change the Font, Size, and Colors of Desktop Items
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;310543

How to configure Desktop Themes in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307855

HOW TO: Use the Windows Classic Theme in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294309

HOW TO: Enable or Disable the New Interface Components in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/288186
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Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In news:5B562E6B-FCBF-46F8-B6FB-ED6B384A22A1@microsoft.com,
Manny Ortiz <Manny Ortiz@discussions.microsoft.com> hunted and pecked:
> Hello,
> I have been trying to change the desktop background on my pc. When
> I bring up the control panel, and click on appearance and themes, the
> page come up fine. When I click on any task on the page, or any icon for
> that matter, nothing happens. This may be part of a bigger problem, as
> my pc is running dreadfully slow the last 2 days. I have already run
> virus scans, adware scans, and contacted Dell support, but still the
> problem persists. Any help would be appreciated.