Changing desktop default background color

open any graphics program that does layer and create a black layer  (your resolution) then center your picture on it, then save it as the wall paper

Thanks. I thought of that but want to use quite a few pictures for a slideshow type desktop. If no one knows of a desktop fix I will have to do that. Thanks again.

What OS are you using? Once changing the desktop to black it should stay that way. What are you using for a wallpaper switcher? This could be changing the desktop colour every time you run it. Try to disablee the wallpaper switcher, change desktop colour and reboot. Is it still black? If so look at the preferences of the wallpaper switcher or a new changer.

If you are using Windowblinds you would have to change the setting for the desktop background for the skin you are using. You really need to supply a little more information to get the correct solution!

I'm sorry about the lack of info. I just didn't think of it. Kind of a "duh" moment I quess.

I'm running XP and using desktop properties to change the color. It will not stay at black after change. I also am running Windowblinds with an older skin. I will be using WB for the switcher also. I will look into the settings of the skin to see if that will do it. I have also changed most of the pictures I want to use to include a black background as suggested by Bichur.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

Open the skin in skin studio > change skin colors > select "skin defined system colors" > change the desktop background.

Or, open windowblinds > click on the colors button at the bottom > change skin system colors at bottom right > system color: background.

Thanks Bebi. That's what I was looking for. I have not had a current subscription to OD or WB in over a year and couldn't find the settings you showed me. I really didn't want to alter or duplicate pictures with layers and your help is exactly what I needed. I will need to browse aroumd WB a bit more along with all the other great programs in OD and catch up on the updates. Thanks again to all who responded. I see the people here are as helpful, polite and knowledable as ever.

Stu...you could easily open your pics in photoshop and resize them without distorting them and then you could cover your whole wallpaper without worrying about the background color. If you need help doing that I'd be more than happy to do it for you. Just send me the wall you have so far and I'll fix it all up for you.

WebGizmos is correct. CS5 will allow resizing with "smart" settings for enlarging, reducing or gradient smoothing using bicubic sampling.... or bilinear for sharper edges... with even more possibilities.

Thanks everyone. I'm going forward with Bebi's solution. My desktop rotation has worked out great with this idea. I want room for my icons on the side and some gadgets on the other. I don't know if I'll keep this long but I just wanted something different from the desktop I've had for a few years. Thanks again for all the ideas.