Customizing the Desktop

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When the desktop doesnt behave as you expect, you can run the Gpresult.exe file on the workstation to view local and domain Group Policy settings currently in effect. Certain Group Policy settings override other Group Policy settings, some disable user interface elements, others leave user interface elements intact but disabled. Become familiar with the Group Policy settings used in your organization and refer to the Group Policy Reference on the Windows 2000 Resource Kit companion CD or the Explain tab to understand the effects of each Group Policy setting.

Two of the most common desktop-related issues are listed below.

Personalized menus doesnt seem to be working

To enable Windows 2000 personalized menus, click Start , point to Settings , and then click Taskbar & Start Menu . On the General tab, make sure personalized folders has not been disabled by Group Policy on the Local Computer.

You cannot change or modify the personalized menus algorithm; the option is either enabled or disabled.

Use the following steps to verify that personalized menus is working.

  1. Create a new shortcut item on the Programs menu.

  2. In the Date/Time Properties dialog box, add one day to the current date.

  3. Shut down and restart Windows 2000 Professional.

  4. Open the Programs menu to see if the item is hidden. If the item is hidden, continue to step 5. If the item appears, return to step 2.

  5. Reset the current date and remove the test shortcut.

My desktop turns white and I receive an error message when I start Windows 2000 Professional

When you upgrade to Windows 2000 Professional from Windows 98 using a Web page as wallpaper, the Show Web content on my Active Desktop and My Current Home Page check boxes are selected on the Web tab of the Display Properties dialog box. The error message appears when the connection to the home page cannot be established.

To disable the Show Web content on my Active Desktop option, right-click the desktop, click Properties , click the Web tab, and clear the Show Web content on my Active Desktop check box.