Microsoft KB Archive/142771

= Images May Appear Different When Saved as Desktop Wallpaper =

Article ID: 142771

Article Last Modified on 12/6/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 128-Bit Edition
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 128-Bit Edition
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 128-Bit Edition
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 128-Bit Edition
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.1
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0

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This article was previously published under Q142771



SUMMARY
When you use Internet Explorer to save an image as your desktop wallpaper, the image may not look the same on your desktop as it does in Internet Explorer. This behavior may occur for one or both of the following reasons:


 * The image must be converted from its existing file format to bitmap (.bmp) format.
 * Windows does not use dithering when it displays the desktop wallpaper.

MORE INFORMATION
When you save a graphics file other than a bitmap file as your desktop wallpaper, the image must be converted from its existing file format to bitmap format before it can be displayed on your desktop. When the file is converted from one graphics file format to another, the appearance of the image may be altered.

In addition, Internet Explorer uses a technique called "dithering" when it displays images. Dithering enables Internet Explorer to display a larger number of colors than your display type normally allows. A dithered color is a combination of available colors that gives the appearance of a new color. Windows does not use dithering when it displays the desktop wallpaper. Therefore, when you save an image as your desktop wallpaper using Internet Explorer, it may not look the same as it does in Internet Explorer.

You can save an image as your desktop wallpaper by right-clicking the image in Internet Explorer, and then clicking Set As Wallpaper.

When you save an image as your desktop wallpaper using Internet Explorer in Windows 95, it is saved as Windows\Internet Explorer Wallpaper.bmp.

When you save an image as your desktop wallpaper using Internet Explorer in Windows 3.x, it is saved as Windows\Iewall.bmp.

Keywords: KB142771

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