unable to change desktop picture

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Level 1

8 points

unable to change desktop picture

Turned off iMac for 10 days, turned back on to new desktop picture and now unable to revert to desktop picture in use prior to turning off the computer

Posted on Oct 1, 2018 5:08 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

dialabrain

Level 10

122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:36 AM in response to michigan_mjm

Well, it takes a few seconds but "Set Desktop Picture" works for me in High Sierra.

Try booting into Safe Mode then boot normally. That clears some caches.

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

dialabrain

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122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:11 AM in response to michigan_mjm

What happens when you try?

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Answer 3

michigan_mjm Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:13 AM in response to dialabrain

Nothing - picture in use at the time remains the desktop picture

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:16 AM in response to michigan_mjm

So, when you open System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Desktop and click on the desired wallpaper, it doesn't change? What about any of the other wallpapers?

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Answer 5

michigan_mjm Author

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Oct 1, 2018 5:18 AM in response to dialabrain

Any of Apple's are used OK, but not my picture - which was in use for 6 months prior to turning off computer

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Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:21 AM in response to michigan_mjm

I see. Well, if you know where it's located, right/control click on the file and choose "Services" > "Set Desktop Picture".

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Answer 7

michigan_mjm Author

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Oct 1, 2018 5:27 AM in response to dialabrain

Right/control click gives a list starting with Open, ending with Set desktop picture. Choosing the set option does nothing. I do not see Services as an option with right click

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Answer 8

dialabrain

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122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:28 AM in response to michigan_mjm

Sorry, what version of OS X are you using?

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Answer 9

michigan_mjm Author

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8 points

Oct 1, 2018 5:30 AM in response to dialabrain

High Sierra 10.13.6

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Answer 10

michigan_mjm Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2018 6:18 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks - that did the trick. No idea why computers act the way they do at times, and not an important issue, but I appreciate your help nevertheless.

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Answer 11

dialabrain

Level 10

122,591 points

Oct 1, 2018 6:22 AM in response to michigan_mjm

You're welcome. I don't know other than they can get in a state they shouldn't. Sometimes just a restart works, sometimes something more is needed. Glad it's fixed.

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unable to change desktop picture

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