Can't change lock screen on windows 8.1

Anonymous
2013-12-10T22:49:57+00:00

I tried to change my lock screen in the photos app. First of all it took forever and finally I got a message that said can't change lock screen/make sure the file isn't damaged and try again. I tried this with five other pictures and I got the same thing each time. I then tried to change it in settings and the preview for the picture would not load at all.

HELP!!!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-12-08T17:54:00+00:00

    This fixed the problem for me:

    1. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.
    2. Press Windows Key + R to run "Run".
    3. Type this in the text box: "%programdata%\Microsoft\Windows".
    4. Find "SystemData" and open its properties (Right Click > Properties ).
    5. Under "Security" Tab, click on "Advanced".
    6. Next to "Owner", click on "Change" (You must be logged in as an administrator to do that) .
    7. Under "Enter the object name to select (examples): ", enter the name of the user you are logged in as and press "Check Names".
    8. Press "ok".
    9. Under "Owner" a check box will appear, check it.
    10. Press "Apply" and close "Properties".
    11. Rename the folder to "SystemData_bak".
    12. Retry changing the lock screen.

    After this Windows will create a new "SystemData" folder and now you can change your lock screen when you please.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-10-28T05:49:28+00:00

    My windows 8.1 is activated but lock screen picture can not change . My tiles are not working too. What's the solution to fix it.

    send through this e-mail 📧 ******@Yahoo.com

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-02-03T09:50:46+00:00

    Several things to try are to be found in the rest of the thread.  Try each one of those until you find one that works.  Hopefully one of the solutions will work for you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-02-03T06:07:49+00:00

    Hi everyone,

    Sadly this solution doesn't work for me. A few minutes after correcting the acls, the SystemData folder owner resets such that I can't see or edit the permissions without retaking ownership.

    I am never able to set even one lock screen image. I get the blank, white screen with dots that spin forever, even if I go to lock screen settings immediately after giving SYSTEM full control.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-11-03T22:46:24+00:00

    Even I am suffering from the same problem!!!

    the problem is exactly the same,,,when I click on any of the lock screen it keeps on loading and the selected screen never appears as preview. even no notification apps can be added to the lock screen.the same problem exists when I try to change account picture..getting frustrated..suggest a sollution

    Read through the thread.  Several things you can try have been suggested a couple pages back and they work.

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