You might want to run the registry fix listed below.
Courtesy of Kelly Theriot, MS-MVP
Line 128, right hand column, Restore Desktop and Screensaver tabs
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Once you get the Desktop tab back you may find that you are unable to change
wallpaper. For that, download and run this registry fix.
Line 142, right hand column, Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
This type of problem is often caused by a virus or some other type of malware.
Just to be on the safe side, you might consider taking steps to make sure your
computer is malware free. Here's a site with general instructions on cleaning a
computer.
Courtesy of Malke Routh, MS-MVP
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Viruses_Malware
Good luck
Nepatsfan
cavalier wrote
Do not know who you are Nepatsfan but you are a knowlegable person,as opposed to some of the rest