Tip #6: Active desktop recovery/Script error Fix
Apr 17 2007
After installing IE7 users may experience active desktop or script errors. This is caused by an incompatibility of IE7 and the desktop.htt file which controls the size and position of your desktop and the wallpaper you have on it, plus it includes a little activeX control to allow you to reshape it. This desktop.htt file is stored in users profiles and it will need to be removed and recreated in order to fix this Active Desktop or Script Error from appearing. Windows will regenerate the file automatically.
To do this:
- Open an explorer window.
- Go to tools > folder options > view, and uncheck hide protected opsys files.
- Apply and ok.
- Then do a search in your sys drive [usually c: ] for desktop.htt. It will be in Docs and Settings\User\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer.
- Delete them [One or more].
- Close the explorer window, re-click your desktop and click Refresh.
- Make sure to then go back and RECHECK that box for view, and uncheck hide protected opsys files.. you really don’t want those special files exposed all the time!
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I have 3 accounts set up on my computer. The desktop.htt file for the account I was using when I had the Active Desktop Recovery problem (plus frequent crashing) was 6kb… the others were both 3kb. I deleted them all. When the problem recurred the desktop.htt file was again 6kb. I created a new account which is working fine so far. (I have not yet given IE a chance to create a desktop.htt filefor this account…nor will I until I get it sorted out. A quarter of a computer is better than an almost completely unusable computer. Going to the old account via the new account seems to solve the crashing, though I still have the active recovery screen.
Its a tricky issue this, I’ve seen different fixes work on machines with the same image. I have found that the ultimate solution at the moment is to roll back to IE6.
Try this tip:
Change in registry following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components
Change the value of DeskHtmlVersion to zero instead of decimal 272.
Cheers!
The sirname suits you well Paul.
The registry fix you suggested sorted out my problem, thx Doc!
Hi I have this problem as well. But only for 1 or 2 users. We are using GPO’s that stop users changing desktop setting, so giving default wallpaper. And also the users have roaming profiles.
I have made all the above changes to the system and also removed the desktop.htt from the roaming profile, but with no luck.
If I place the user in a GPO that has no desktop restrictions then all works ok. Until the user is moved back into our standard GPO. (The standard GPO is working ok for over 1000 users ok)
I have also made all the changes in the non restrictive desktop and this still has not helped.
The only thing that has worked is to delete the user profile and recreate it.
Changing Registry Entry fixed my problem. Thanks Paul.
Thanks Paul,
But the registry editing does not work, does some permission need to be applied for that particular key, i think renaming the profile should work but that would not be a good way to solve a technical problem.
pls update on this.
Try adding the server where the file is located to the trusted sites in IE7.
Thanks Paul! THis seems to have fixed my problem as well. I never found the htt files but the registry fix has corrected the problem for now.
uninstalled IE7 for good and resolved the problem
how do i access the registry folder to change the deskhtmlversion value? when i open “My computer”, i don’t know where to go from there.
The Registry Setting Mod Worked like a charm man… Thanks!!
hey rickson. how did u get into the folder where u change the values in the first place?
@Vinnie
Click on start –> Run –> Type “regedit” ( without the ” ) –> Click “OK”
Expand the folders by clicking on the +’s …
Goto- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components
Change the value of DeskHtmlVersion to zero instead of decimal 272.
Hope this works for you…
hey thanks… i actually figured it out yesterday when i was googling.. but now i got a different error… i’m at school now so i can’t remember the exact error.. when i try to go to desktop properties or look at the clock calender, a pop-up error shows up everytime now… and my control panel is gone. grr… i blame my bro.. lol
Changing Registry Entry fixed my problem. Thanks Paul.
you are a rockstar Paul, change in the registry entry solved my problem as well. Thanks a lot…
Registry edit WORKED.. thanks a mill!
Well paul really awesome..tried a lot of steps but the registry fix u gave worked wonders…way to go doc!
Paul, Thanks for all your help. It worked wonders.Really appreciate the registry help.
way to go expert….
Thanks a bunch.
this want go on my desktop and dont no why can you fix it for me i have try ever thing ever time i download something it want go to my desktop. i have a error on things page. i belive there is something wrong with my internet. here is something internet error userdesktop. claudia. here is what it says.
Doc, you suggestion worked for me too. As a note to others, I had to reboot after the fix; but when it restarted, my desktop was back. Yippee! Thanks for your help!
Im lost on where the “desktop system” is… and how to search for it…
Hah, everyone loves your registry tweak Paul! I did this on my current eee, and trust it will work from previous accounts.
~Thanks!