How to Remove Screensavers From Windows XP

Window XP pre-installed and third party screensavers protect computer screens and/or provide decorative, security or entertainment purposes. Although people choose to remove screensavers from XP for a variety of reasons, most remove a screensaver because it may have spyware attached to it or it was a hidden add-on. Whatever your reason for wanting to remove a screensaver, Windows XP offers several avenues for deleting screensaver files and/or software.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Windows XP Pre-Installed Screensavers

1. Go to "Start" > "Search" and select the "Click here to use Search Companion" link in the sidebar when the window opens. Click on "All files and folders" when prompted. Type ".scr" in the "All or part of the file name:" field. Choose "Local Hard Drives (C:;D:)" in the "Look in: " field if not already selected and then click "Search." To delete using the "My Computer" window instead, go to Step 3.

2. Double-click each screensaver ".scr" file to determine which files to delete. To delete, right-click on a file name and then select "Delete."

3. To use "My Computer," click "Start" > "My Computer" Type the following in the "Address" field:

   C:\WINDOWS\system32

   If you receive a hidden files warning, click the "Show the contents of this folder" link. The "system32" list should open in the window.

4. Reveal the file details: "View" > "Details."

   Scroll down the list until you find the files marked "Screensaver" in the "Type" column. Select a screensaver to delete, right-click the file name and click "Delete" to remove.

5. Enter the following into the "Address" field:

   C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache

   Repeat Steps 4 to remove the same file names from this area. If you have "ServicePackFiles," enter C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 and repeat.

6. Empty your "Recycle Bin" and restart your computer to save your changes.

Third Party Screensavers

1. Use the Third Party software's uninstall option ("Uninstall" or "Uninstaller") under the Program Menu for the software: "Start" > "All Programs" > (Third Party software name) > "Uninstall" or "Uninstaller."

   Click and follow the instructions. If you can't find the option, use the software's "Help" menu to locate it. If you can't find it all, the uninstall option didn't remove all of the screensaver software or you believe you're dealing with spyware, continue to Step 2.

2. Click "Start" > "Control Panel" > "Add or Remove Programs."

3. Search for the name of the third party screensaver software in the "Currently Installed Programs:" list.

4. Click the "Remove" or "Change/Remove" button. If asked to confirm your choice, click "Yes."

5. Empty your "Recycle Bin" and restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If a "Windows File Protection" window opens when you're removing pre-installed screensavers, click "Cancel" (first window) and "Yes" (second window).

• If you deleted the wrong program from "Add or Remove Programs," use your "System Restore" tool to restore XP back to a prior system checkpoint---date/time when your computer automatically backed up your information: "Start" > "All Programs" > "Accessories" > "System Tools" > "System Restore."

• If "Uninstall" or "Add or Remove Programs" doesn't remove third party software entirely, follow the Section 1 instructions for using "Search" or "My Computer" to delete files. If all else fails, contact the software manufacturer's technical support for assistance.

• Always remove the pre-installed screensaver files from every area: "system32" "dllcache" and "ServicePackFiles," as Windows reverts back to original settings and restores the deleted screensaver(s) otherwise.

References

• Microsoft Support: Search for Files and Folders in Windows XP
• Microsoft Support: How to Change or Remove a Program in Windows XP