How to Create a Bitmap of Windows Tiled Wallpaper (112687)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
This article was previously published under Q112687

SUMMARY

This article describes how to create a bitmap (.BMP file) from the desktop wallpaper in Windows. You can use this procedure, for example, to make tiled wallpaper for use in Microsoft Scenes.

MORE INFORMATION

To create a bitmap from a Windows wallpaper, use the following procedure:

  1. Open Control Panel and choose the Desktop icon. Select the desired wallpaper to be saved as a bitmap, select the Tile option button, and then choose OK.
  2. Close all open applications in Windows. Press CTRL+ESC to display the Task List. (Only Program Manager should appear.)
  3. Make sure Program Manager is in a window--it must not be maximized, and then choose Move from the Control menu (ALT+SPACEBAR, M). Your mouse pointer should now appear as a four-headed arrow. As you press the DOWN ARROW key, a box outline the size of the Program Manager window moves down the screen.

    When the top of the box outline is completely off the screen, press the ENTER key. Program Manager then takes the place of the box outline completely off the bottom of the screen, and only the tiled wallpaper remains visible on your screen.

    NOTE: You may move Program Manager in any direction, provided it is off the screen.
  4. Capture the wallpaper image to the Clipboard by pressing Print Screen or the ALT+PRINT SCREEN combination on your keyboard.
  5. Restore Program Manager to the screen by pressing ALT+SPACEBAR to display the Control menu. Choose Move and press the UP ARROW key to move the box outline to the center of the screen, and then press ENTER. Program Manager returns to the screen.
  6. In the Accessories group, open and maximize Paintbrush. From the Options menu, choose Image Attributes. Select Default and choose OK. From the View menu, choose Zoom Out. Then choose Paste from the Edit menu to paste the image grid. Choose Paste again to paste the actual image.
  7. From the View menu, choose Zoom In. Choose Save from the File menu and type a filename for your bitmap. The tiled wallpaper is now saved as a bitmap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If at any time you are unable to return the Program Manager to your screen, press CTRL+ESC and then select Tile. This centers Program Manager on your screen.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/5/2003
Keywords:KB112687
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.