As noted numerous times, the below “Simple Method” should work for most folks. If 
it does not, please see the alternative second method listed below:

The Simple Method:

1.) Right click “My Computer,” hit the “Advanced” tab, then under “Performace,” click 
on “Settings,” then select “Custom,” uncheck “Use drop shadows for icon labels on 
desktop.” Then click on “Apply” to enable the new setting.

2.)  Right click your desktop and click the “Desktop” tab. Next click “Customize 
desktop” and then the “Web” tab. Lastly, checkmark the “Lock Desktop items” and then 
click “OK.”

3.) Then go back and repeat these steps again, only uncheck “Lock desktop” and check 
the “Use drop shadows for desktop icons.”

You should then have transparency again on your Windows XP desktop. If this does 
NOT work, then you are more than likely suffering from this affliction because of 
a dreaded virus/spyware infection that has changed your Registry settings to force 
“Active Desktop” regardless of your custom changes.

I have seen this Registry setting changed in systems that have been infected with 
the “Home Search Assistant” virus/spyware and “Cool Web” virus/spyware and all its 
variants. The reason that virus/spyware does this is to control your desktop with 
active ads, etc, etc.


The Virus/Spyware Method:

1.) First you must rid your system of this insidious virus/spyware or any changes 
you make will only revert back to your Desktop being reversed to an “Active Desktop” 
controlled once again by the virus/spyware. If you have the “Cool Web Search” virus/spyware, 
please use the CWShredder Removal Tool available at the below address:

http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/

If you have the even more insidious “Home Search Assistant” a.ka.a “Home Search Extender,” 
“Shopping Wizard” virus/spyware, prepare yourself for a good couple of hours of PC 
cleaning and disinfecting. Use the best “Home Search Assistant” Removal guide I have 
seen yet at the below address:

http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=259

You may also get lucky and simply be able to run the “Home Search Assistant” Removal 
Tool (HSRemove.exe) at the below address:

http://www.hsremove.com

2.) Once you are certain that the virus/spyware has been removed, the open up the 
Windows Registry by double-clicking on “RegEdit.exe” in your “C:/Windows” directory.

3.) Then, double-click on the directory tree until you are at the below key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]

4.) Look for a DWord Value (blue and white icon in the right window pane) that is 
labeled “ForceActiveDesktopOn.” Right click this DWord Value and choose “Modify.” 
Then, change the “Value Data” from a “1” to a “0” and click on “OK.” (Note: 1=Enable 
and 0=Disable)

5.) Reboot your system.

6.) After, re-boot then right click your desktop and click the “Desktop” tab. Next 
click “Customize desktop” and then the “Web” tab. Checkmark the “Lock Desktop items” 
and then click “OK.”

7.) Repeat Step 6, but this time uncheck the “Lock Desktop items” and then click 
“OK.”

This should restore the transparent background to your Desktop Icons. If not re-boot 
once more and hopefully that will complete the changes.

I hope this helps all those folks afflicted by this annoyance. Good luck and feel 
free to leave your comments! :)

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