Freeper help requested: Can't "Restore Active Desktop" under XP Professional

June 2, 2007 | ReleaseTheHounds

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Requesting help from any Freeper who may know of a solution... We had a power outage overnight. When I tried to reboot this morning, my desktop didn't come up. When I select the "Restore Active Desktop" command, it fails with the error message: "Internet Explorer Script Error" and the details "An error has occurred on the script of this page" referencing Line 65, character 1, and error message: Object doesn't support this action; Code: 0. And it provides a URL followed by "Do you want to continue running scripts on this page?" with the default to "Yes". After hitting enter, I'm still back to the inactive desktop.

I've tried looking for help via XP "Help" but it is worthless (or at least I couldn't find anything useful).

I'd really appreciate some guidance if you've got a recommended solution.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Get a Mac. :)

[VOA]

I can only help you by bumping this thread for publicity...

[Snoopers-868th]

I am not sure if this fits but here is something to try.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306831

Google parts of the error message for an answer if this doesn’t work.

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Anyway to get to system restore to revert your hard drive?

[Publius6961]

Interesting question. I assume that you left the computer running when the power went out. Wish I knew what "active desktop" was.
What would I do under similar circumstances? Probably see if on the CD there's an "active desktop" choice for install and go from there.

Good luck.

[garyhope]

“Get a Mac. :)”

Yeah right, Macs never fail or are affected by power surges or spikes.

[relee]

When you click the “Restore my Active Desktop” button you get a Internet Explorer Script Error and selecting “Yes” does not work

1. Right click on your desktop
2. Select Properties
3. Select the themes tab
4. Pick a different theme from your list
5. Click apply the desktop message goes away
6. Reselect your current theme
7. Click apply

You will have your desktop back and working without the “Restore my Active Desktop” every time you Boot-Up

Found this while searching with Google. Good luck.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

OK I must confess. Full disclosure and all.

I run my PC on a UPS.

Actually logged on and read FR one time, during a blackout.

:)

[KoRn]

I would disable “Active Desktop”. See if that helps.

Go to Start>run button and type gpedit.msc

Expand the Administrative Templates node(+sign)under the user configuration section and expand the Desktop node. There you will see Active Desktop on the list, then click on it. On the right side you will see a setting called “disable active desktop. Double click on it and click on enable, and then apply. The wordage is confusing on many of those settings so read carefully.

[Snoopers-868th]

Do a SafeMode Restore

Start/Boot

Hold F8 down

At menu choose the option “with networking”

Sign in as Administrator

This will take you to a basic desktop. Go to Restore and select a point.

[CAWats]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171437

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/190228

Also google “Active Desktop”

[ReleaseTheHounds]

I tried reverting to system settings from yesterday evening but that didn’t fix this problem... it still “boots” to this ugly inactive desktop. Thanks to all for the quick replies. I’ve still got a few steps to go on one of the suggested fixes.

[CAWats]

this is from
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000593.htm

REFERENCE NUMBER: CH000593

How to enable / disable windows active desktop.

Question:

How to enable / disable windows active desktop.

Answer:
Microsoft Windows XP users

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open Display Properties.
3. Click the Desktop tab.
4. Click the Customize Desktop button.
5. Click the Web tab in the Desktop Items window.

If you wish to enable the Active Desktop, check “My Current Home Page”. Add your current home page into your desktop or click New to add another web page and/or other Active Desktop features. To update the content, click the Synchronize button.

If you wish to disable Active Desktop, make sure all checkboxes in this window are un-checked

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Thanks, relee!... That worked. Freepers are THE BEST! Thanks for all the suggestions!

[KoRn]

That works too. I just prefer to manage settings in Group Policy whenever possible. Doing so prevents other users from easily changing anything.

[alice_in_bubbaland]

LOL! Good news! I’ll have to bookmark this thread just in case I have the same problem in the future.

[CAWats]

Good idea. Hadn’t thought of that.

[CAWats]

Of course we’re the best. Why wouldn’t we be ;)

[Guyin4Os]

Follow the following instructions:

1. Shut down the computer

2. Unplug the computer from all peripherals

3. Unplug the computer from the power source

4. Physically carry the computer to the dumpster

5. Insert computer in dumpster

6. Purchase a Mac

7. Resolve to discontinue posting computer difficulties on a political board