Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Unable to Change Themes or Appearance Settings

SUMMARY: If the Display Properties "Appearance" and "Themes" tabs are missing, try this tip.

In some instances, possibly due to a virus, certain spyware, or errors in the Registry, when you try to change Windows XP's Display Properties, the "Appearance" and "Themes" tabs may be missing. Without these tabs, it is much harder to modify display effects, color schemes, themes, styles, and default font sizes and colors.

To show these hidden tabs, you can either perform a registry tweak or modify the Group Policy. Note you must be an Administrator to perform either one.

NOTE: Be careful what you are doing when modifying the registry or Group Policy! Changes can have unintended consequences, including but not limited to keeping your computer from booting. Read the disclaimer.

Via the Registry

1. Run "Regedit".

2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System .

3. If you see "nodispappearancepage", double-click the DWORD value and set it to "0". Otherwise, you need to create a new DWORD value of "nodispappearancepage" and set it to "0".

4. Close the "Display Properties" dialog box if visible and reopen it.

5. If this fix doesn't return the hidden tabs, you may also need to make the above registry changes at location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system

Via Group Policy (not available by default to Windows XP Home users)

1. Run "gpedit.msc".

2. The "Group Policy" editor should appear. Navigate to "User Configuration" - "Administrative Templates" - "Control Panel" - "Display".

3. Double-click "Hide Appearance and Themes tab".

4. When the dialog box appears, click the "Disabled" radio button.

5. Click the "OK" button to close the dialog box.

6. Close the "Group Policy" window.

7. Close the "Display Properties" dialog box if visible and reopen it.

Note that if the registry key underneath HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is set, this may override the Group Policy edit, so you may have to modify the registry anyway.