Unable to change Windows 7 Starter wallpaper!

Hi Doc

Hard to believe that people would post some of the comments that are in this thread? I found your particular comments to be very rude, disparaging, and unnecessarily, boring, childish, and arrogant. I would have expected more from someone who includes the title 'Dr' in their name.

I bought a Netbook some time ago, but unlike most people here, I didn't get any surprises, because I did take the time to actually do some research and learn about what I was purchasing.

I don't think I can remember buying any software or computer hardware where there wasn't a 'lite', 'basic,' or even 'free,' version that only included the most basic functions. If I wanted more features, then I would get the 'premium', 'pro', or 'full' version which usually came with a substantial increase in price.

Why would anyone expect an operating system to be any different?  

Also, would you expect to pay less than 3 or 4 hundred dollars and get anything close to a premium computer?

"Consider it--and remember that mac and Ubuntu Linux are becoming serious adversaries."

Yeah, right!

Apple has been around for more years than Microsoft and they still have a difficult time maintaining 5% of the worldwide market share for the Mac. The only reason they have maintained that much of a share is because they made it possible to install Windows on the Mac. A developer cannot even produce a software program for the Mac or iphone without an explicit approval from Apple. Now That is Real arrogance.

As far as Linux goes, well they have been around for over 20 years, and they still have a difficult time maintaining a 1% market share. At that rate, they should make a small dent in the market in another 500 years, maybe.

Is a picture on your desktop really an issue, or is this just one more way for the 'sheeple' to participate in another 'group think'?

It must be difficult to be in your position and facing the responsibility of responding to so many who are angered by Microsoft's decisions. Many will take this omission out on you, sadly holding you responsible. Hmmm, perhaps in a manner of inaction you are. What have you done to bring this to the attention of those capable of making a decision? Anything? Or do you shy away from that responsibility, shaking in fear that doing something positive might cost you your job? 

Don't worry, most Americans are similarly frightened. That's why those of us that can, do, and others, like yourself, don't. 

if I may make a comment... Regardless of the difficulties imposed by Microsoft Operating Systems, there will be someone on the internet to design, construct and post an application or a hack to compensate. The real problem however is that Microsoft does not recognize something and perhaps they would be well advised to consider it. Microsoft, and you as an employee, are speaking to CUSTOMERS!  Open up and listen.   

One of these days Microsoft will not be a monopoly. Then they will be reading my book on why you need to shut up, smile, listen, and respond thoughtfully. Customers are all a business has. Without a customer, Microsoft is nothing.

Consider it--and remember that mac and Ubuntu Linux are becoming serious adversaries.

There should be three versions of windows. One for beginners with all the hard wired protections (but not the desktop backgrounds), one for intermediates where much can be altered (safely), and a professional edition that allows those of us that prefer altering our OS the opportunity to do so easily without hacking. Allow us to stipulate our own protections and remove them just as easily.  Although I can and do edit the registry, why must I?  How about an English language checklist with common wording checklists. I'm tired of all the acronyms. It's almost impossible to keep up with all the tech talk--especially when it's tech talk just to show that you understand it.  Boring, childish, and foolish arrogance.

“Microsoft was founded with a vision of a computer on every desk, and in every home (running Microsoft software). We've never wavered from that vision.”  -Bill Gates

As a former Microsoft employee, I have been very loyal to the company and their products. 

F___ that noise. 

That MS would hamstring the "starter" version of W7 and pervert the basic, core vision of the company, for which I toiled,  speaks to a certain desperation in their business strategy.  (How long, BTW, since MS stock has split?) 

This (netbook revolution) was an opportunity for an MS OS to re-achieve ubiquity.  Ubiquity leads to further S/W sales.  I used to tell people that MS S/W "just works".  Win7 Starter is junk, and I'll be damned if I am gonna pay to upgrade this retarded crappy product FOR WHICH I PAID WHEN I BOUGHT MY NETBOOK. 

Here's what you can do: 

Gnu/Linux is very easy to install and administer these days, if you opt for a well-grounded distribution like, for instance, Ubuntu.  There are multiple Linux distros that are tailored for netbooks and many netbooks are powerful enough to run a full-featured version of Linux.  A few Google searches will provide you enough information to choose a flavor of Linux and the knowledge to install and administer it.  It can be very intuitive or it can be a challenging exercise, depending on the version of Linux you settle upon.  Additionally, there are Free and Open Source (FOSS) Office Suite software packages available for Gnu/Linus, FOR FREE (i.e. OpenOffice) ! 

Or...

You could install Macintosh OS X on your netbook.  I don't know much about this, but many netbooks work adequately well with OS X.  Google "netbook Hackintosh" for more information. 

Whatever you do, if you learn something that might benefit someone, PLEASE SHARE IT.  I have become a believer in the power of collaborative (software) endeavors, and the inherent helpful nature of humanity.  Free and Open Software illustrates this concept perfectly. 

Enjoy playing with your netbook and delight in screwing MS out of your upgrade dollars. 

schlem

The difference with the Windows 7 Starter edition is that the OEM computer manufacturers were able to convince Microsoft that they needed the Starter edition to keep the price of their Netbooks low enough to be competitive. This why Starter is avilable to the general public and this is why you are still able to purchase a Netbook for $300.

Still, it seems to me like a very poor marketing decision to eliminate something so fundamental to the user's experience rather than bells and whistles like animated icons, etc.  I would expect Microsoft would use the netbook to attract new microsoft fans rather than drive them away.  The number of remarks I found on the net about the BSOD surprised me.  And it seems like many of my friends and all my nephews and nieces have moved away from windows.  Oh well...

Also, I think there was an interface upgrade package for Windows 98, right??

As you know, us (we??) users are a finiky bunch.  I'll grow to like the black screen rather than pay 30% of the cost of my computer (Premium) for an upgrade to get functionality I think should be in the OS.

Anyway, thanks for the reply.  If you decide to release an aero upgrade for $30 or so, let me know and I'll think about it -- as long as I can turn off the features I don't want.