Desktop icons and icon labels may not display background transparency or the drop shadow effect in Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP (305117)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q305117

SYMPTOMS

When you try to display icons and icon labels that have a transparent background or a drop-shadow effect, the backgrounds of the icon and of the desktop text is the same as the background color that is set in the Advanced Appearance dialog box in Display Properties.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if you use desktop content that turns on the Active Desktop feature. For example, this problem may occur if you have a background item or desktop item that uses a transparent image or an animated GIF image, or if you set a Web page as the active desktop. This problem may also occur if you turn on the Lock Web Items on Desktop feature.

RESOLUTION

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
  3. On the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance.
  4. Click to clear the Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop check box, click Apply, and then click OK two times.
  5. Close Control Panel.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, do not use desktop content that turns on the Active Desktop feature.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/25/2004
Keywords:kbdisplay kbprb kbui KB305117 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.