Thanks for the response Allen. I don't think the system file protection is the issue as the file is only updated after certain windows updates. I use the parentheses to make my script more easily readable for me. Most of my script is like that and it doesn't seem to cause any problems.

I am not sure what I will ultimately do about this issue. Its kinda silly Microsoft giving you the option to change the wallpaper background without allowing you to address issues such as font colour. I agree that editing a system file like that is not desirable, but thats the way it is. I will have a look at it in more detail at some point.
Thanks