Desktop background won't stick

a couple of days ago my desktop background changed back to the default background (that blue swirly thing) and now i can't get a new background up. whenever i click on another one, it pops up on the desktop for a split second and then reverts back to the default background.
as a solution, i can create a new folder, put one picture in it, and then set it up so the pictures rotate every 5 seconds. that keeps the one picture up (since there is only one picture for it to rotate), but i can't get one to just stay without putting the rotate option on. this is really bizarre.
also, how do i get support from apple?? is there a number i can call or an email address or something? i've been on this website for a while trying to fix this and can't find any support. everybody talks about how great apple's customer service is so i guess i'm missing somehing.
thank you in advance to those who help me out; i just got this ibook 2 weeks ago and i'm not used to apples yet.

nevermind, it still doesn't work. has anybody else had this problem? also, how do i get help from apple??

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William Kruidenier wrote:
I use a folder of pictures to rotate randomly as my desktop background image. Whenever I restart the computer, the background image defaults to the purple-ish Snow Leopard background -- the one that looks sort of like a purple sunrise. I then have to open the Desktop/Screensaver preference pane and re-designate the folder with the pics in it. After that, it works perfectly -- until I restart. Then I have to go through the same drill.
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User meaning Home ?
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Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
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Regards
TD

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I just tried the top from Linc Davis and it didn't work for me. I have a MBP bought in may 2010 i Sweden which is where I live.
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I have upgraded to 10.6.7 (today), rebooted, run Repair Disk on the Install DVD (from another tip). I don't actually remember "fixing permissions".
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Desktop background won't stick

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