I like to change my Windows themes from time to time, and recently I went to Microsoft and downloaded a theme from its New Zealand team. Now, when I try to change the theme to something else, everything loads, but the New Zealand background loads on top of it. I can’t find the theme in the Windows directory or in the desktop folders. I suspect the program made changes to the registry, but I can’t find it, and if I did, what would I delete? -Steve Phillips
A. Given that the gremlin messing up your computer is from New Zealand, where they filmed “The Lord of the Rings,” let’s call it a hobbit instead of a bug. Then let’s de-hobbit your PC, Mr. P.
To recap for other readers, using themes is a way to change the look of the Windows display, particularly when the screen savers are running. Themes range from a depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s studio to a mighty convincing virtual tropical fish reef. I like them as an artistic interlude, but I also avoid them for reasons like the one now vexing you.
So, let’s start your fix by backtracking to the Themes activation spot by right-clicking on the desktop and picking Properties from the menu that pops up. Under the tab for Themes that appears, choose the Windows XP theme.
Now you need to exorcise that admittedly beautiful New Zealand theme from the computer. This is done by clicking on Start and then opening the Control Panel icon. Now click on the Add or Remove Programs control panel. This brings up a list of almost all of the software running on your computer.
Look to the left of the list, and you will see a special icon that allows users to remove and restore components built into Windows, including the calculator, the Windows Media Player, the Solitaire game and much else, themes included.
Go down to the item called Windows Digital Media Enhancements.
Click on it, and you will find there an entry for Themes along with other things such as the Windows CD Maker and the Windows Audio Converter.
If you remove the check mark alongside Themes and click OK, the computer will remove them all, including your ill-fated New Zealand showcase.
If you’re still interested in using these diversions that do everything from changing the icon for the mouse cursor to changing folder display colors to match a red and yellow hot dog stand, you can reboot the computer and backtrack. When you do, all of the elements will load properly, and you’ll be able to return to hobbit country.
