changing desktop background picture from stretch on Windows 7

Question

I have a brand new Windows 7 laptop, I've changed the desktop background picture using the "personalization" item of the desktop right click menu.

Below the list that of images to choose there's a drop down with options "stretch", "fit", "tile", etc.

When I change that from stretch to anything else nothing happens, and when I return to that dialog the drop down is still on "stretch".

Anyone knows what's going on?

Thanks.

EDIT: apparently this is a know problem with HP/Compaq laptops.

Answer 1

This link has a solution

I had the same problem. Saving changes did nothing. The above link gives a fix from HP.

Answer 2

Are you using an HP/Compaq machine? Try this:

• Go to HP Support and Drivers website
• Choose Download drivers and software under "Select a task and enter a product name/number:"
• Enter your product name (e.g. pavilion 2022. Be careful as the precise model is may be important.)
• Click on the link matching your PC model
• Choose Windows 7 operating system
• Scroll down the list Select software and drivers
• Choose Wallpaper picture position enabler

Paraphrased and updated from a post by Sharon Roffey in Background won't divert from Stretch Option on the Microsoft Answers site.

Answer 3

I've had a similar problem with the change not happening, to which the solution is rather silly. After making a change to your setting, you need to select "Save Changes" at the bottom.

Hopefully that should work.

Answer 4

Try this next time:

Right mouse desktop, goto Personalize, then Display. It will bring up a "Make it easier to read" window. By default, my installation was set at 150% and i ended up with the same problem with both BGInfo and AWC (Automatic Wallpaper changer). Setting it to 125% or less seemed to fix it.