Microsoft KB Archive/305117

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

Article ID: 305117

Article Last Modified on 11/7/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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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) On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
 * 2) In the System Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab.
 * 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 &quot;Applies to&quot; section.

Keywords: kbdisplay kbprb kbui KB305117

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