Solved problem changing windows 8.1 lock screen image

TheGasMaster438

New Member
Messages
9
Hello everyone!

I have a strange problem when it comes to switching the image on my lock screen. I have a legitimate copy of windows 8, and I have just upgraded to the new windows 8.1.

when I go to pc settings to change the lock screen background, I can see the default windows 8.1 lockscreen images available for use, and I can look for a custom image to select, so the I don't have the problem with grayed out buttons. What's wrong is, every time I try to change to a different image (same goes for the default, built in backgrounds) , the preview will remain blank with an infinite loading symbol. This leads me to believe that Windows is not changing the background image for the lock screen at all. This is true because every time I login to my computer I have the same default image I got when I installed windows 8.1.

Am I missing something here? before I would use another program called Lock Screen customizer, found here, WinAero: Lock Screen Customizer for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 to change my lock screen image, but the Windows 8.1 version does not have the option to change the background lock screen image.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.00 GHz
    Memory
    4.00 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6670 1 GB

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.00 GHz
    Memory
    4.00 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6670 1 GB
You're quite welcome.

Make sure you run the scannow 3 times.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Ugh! :D

All updates installed?

Check resolution. That may be an issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Ugh! :D

All updates installed?

Check resolution. That may be an issue.

I remember that I had this problem even with windows 8.0 so I don't think it is an update issue, but maybe my install of Windows is just weird somehow.

My screen resolution is 1400x900.

Thanks again for your help :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.00 GHz
    Memory
    4.00 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6670 1 GB

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
You're welcome.

Did you look in event viewer for any faults?

Anything in your Action Center by any chance?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I found this: Cant Change Lock Screen Windows 8

Try deleting that folder they're talking about, but leave it in your trash for possible return.

Hello to all.
This one worked for me, only that I did not delete that folder; I have just renamed it.
Now to detail my case:
1. System: Sony Vaio notebook bought with 7 installed on it. On first day of availability upgraded it to 8 Pro. Also upgraded to 8.1 Pro on first day it was released to general public.
2. Problem: when accessing the Modern Control Panel, section PC and devices, the PC settings "app" would crash, the screen reverting to start screen. Taking the mouse cursor in the upper-left corner reveals the PC settings "app" as opened. Every other section in PC settings is accessible but one with PC and devices. After taking a deep breath I remember that the settings for Bluetooth are located in this section and try to reach at them by search button; what do you know, I`m in PC and devices section and see all the subsections there. OK. With great confidence I`m trying to access the Lock screen subsection (the one that I wanted to go to in the first place). Click on Lock screen and .... ups, crash again.
3. Previous "dubious" actions of the computer user (a.k.a. myself): due to the fact that Video and Photo apps not showing the files in their respective libraries I messed up with said libraries. Moved them back and forth C and D drives several times. Note: the User`s folder was never moved from its original location. Not quite shure that these two are related.
All in all, my problem is now solved.
Many thanks too all writers on this forum; a very good place to find support.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIndows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio SVE1511
    CPU
    i3
Hello, Alexandru Mihai and welcome to Windows EightForums.

Thank you for that information. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I found this: Cant Change Lock Screen Windows 8

Try deleting that folder they're talking about, but leave it in your trash for possible return.

Hello to all.
This one worked for me, only that I did not delete that folder; I have just renamed it.
Now to detail my case:
1. System: Sony Vaio notebook bought with 7 installed on it. On first day of availability upgraded it to 8 Pro. Also upgraded to 8.1 Pro on first day it was released to general public.
2. Problem: when accessing the Modern Control Panel, section PC and devices, the PC settings "app" would crash, the screen reverting to start screen. Taking the mouse cursor in the upper-left corner reveals the PC settings "app" as opened. Every other section in PC settings is accessible but one with PC and devices. After taking a deep breath I remember that the settings for Bluetooth are located in this section and try to reach at them by search button; what do you know, I`m in PC and devices section and see all the subsections there. OK. With great confidence I`m trying to access the Lock screen subsection (the one that I wanted to go to in the first place). Click on Lock screen and .... ups, crash again.
3. Previous "dubious" actions of the computer user (a.k.a. myself): due to the fact that Video and Photo apps not showing the files in their respective libraries I messed up with said libraries. Moved them back and forth C and D drives several times. Note: the User`s folder was never moved from its original location. Not quite shure that these two are related.
All in all, my problem is now solved.
Many thanks too all writers on this forum; a very good place to find support.

Thank you for sharing this! I tried renaming the folder, but still can't change the image. I did however learn that after renaming the system data folder and attempting to load a custom image for the lock screen, a new system data folder is generated with that custom image file shows up in the newly generated system data folder. So maybe windows 8.1 is somehow set to only use a default image file?

You're welcome.

Did you look in event viewer for any faults?

Anything in your Action Center by any chance?

I have not taken a look at these, but I will look into it :) thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.00 GHz
    Memory
    4.00 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6670 1 GB
Okay! I got it to work, sort of.... I found that if I select a custom image for the lock screen using pc settings, a folder called LockScreen_B is created in C:\programdata\microsoft\windows\systemdata\S-1-5-21-(really long number)\ReadOnly

If I rename the folder Lockscreen_B to Lockscreen_A the custom image i selected in pc settings will finally show up on the lock screen! Really long work around, but just glad to see it finally working XD

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...ault-background-image-change-windows-8-a.html

and

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2639-lock-screen-background-image-change-windows-8-a.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    CPU
    AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.00 GHz
    Memory
    4.00 GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6670 1 GB
Great to hear that it worked out for you too. This little problem bugged me the whole weekend.
I was also prepared with the 8.1 ISO for a repair but it was not necessary.
Best regards.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIndows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sony Vaio SVE1511
    CPU
    i3
Problem solved

Hey... TheGasMaster438

Here is a other way to deal with the problem I made this video too make it easy for everybody that have the problem check it out!!!

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7yPnKTs_kg&feature=youtu.be
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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