Hidden Wallpaper in Windows 7

When you install Windows 7, it asks for your language, time and currency. Based on the responses you make, it then automatically installs a set of wallpapers and themes. If you choose English (United Kingdom) for your time and currency format, for example, the available desktop backgrounds and themes will include a United Kingdom section with scenery from locations such as London, Stonehenge and the Giants Causeway.

However, hidden away in the depths are background scenery and themes from other English-speaking countries — Australia, Canada, USA and South Africa. Normally, you can’t access those backgrounds or themes, but there is a simple way you can install and use them:

1. Click on the start menu and then select Computer.Go to Organize > Search and folder options. Switch to the View tab and do the following tasks:

*Select “Show hidden files, folders, or drives”.

*Uncheck the box named “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)”.

*Click Apply.

2. Go to the following directory c:WindowsGlobalisationMCT and press Enter. (Note: If Windows 7 is installed on a drive other than C:, use that letter instead.)

3. There are a list of subfolders under c: WindowsGlobalisationMCT: i.e. MCT-AU, MCT-CA, MCT-GB, MCT-US, and MCT-ZA. Each subfolder has wallpapers for a specific country: AU for Australia, CA for Canada, GB for Great Britain, US for the United States, and ZA for South Africa.

 

For any of the countries whose wallpaper and themes you want to use, you will need to open its Theme folder, for example, c: WindowsGlobalizationMCTMCT-AUTheme. Double-click on the theme icon (for example AU).

4. That will install a shortcut to the theme and wallpapers in the Personalization section of the Control Panel.

You can now use them as you would any other theme or background, by right-clicking the desktop, choosing Personalize, and choosing a background or theme. They will be listed in their own section.

How good is that. A colourful bonus courtesy of Microsoft!