Screen saver will not turn on

Computer Help and Discussions Software
1

I have a weird problem on my Windows XP SP3 Home computer. In the Display Properties window, a screen saver is selected, but it will not actually turn on. This is the case no matter which screen saver is selected. Screen savers DO work when clicking the Preview button, but they do not turn on after the set number of idle minutes.

I found this article on the Microsoft support site, but it doesn't apply to me because this happens whether or not I use an external mouse.

What can I do to resolve this problem?

2

Unplug both mouse and keyboard see what happens.... :-/

3

That's pretty hard to do on a laptop. ;) I don't have a mouse or keyboard plugged in.

4

lol, good point...

5

A few thoughts here

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?threadID=137549

6

I never used screensavers. And I think since flat monitors came out there's now no need for one.

7

I know burn-in is more of a concern on CRT and plasma monitors, but aren't LCD monitors still somewhat susceptible to it?

Hazelnut, thanks for the link!

8
I know burn-in is more of a concern on CRT and plasma monitors, but aren't LCD monitors still somewhat susceptible to it?

Very minimally. I had the same CRT monitor for 12 years, never used a screensaver. However I did turn off my PC every night. That monitor stood the test of time very well. So I'm not worried at all about burn-in with my newer LCD.

9

Try changing the set number of idle minutes and select OK.

Try restarting your computer to reset.

Some software running in the background may prevent Windows from

seeing the PC as idle.

10

Well, today it magically started working again. I didn't change a thing or adjust any setting, yet the screen saver now turns on after the set amount of time. :huh:

11

Perhaps it just needed a rest :)

12

That must be it! :lol: