How to Add a Screensaver to XP

Windows XP Screensavers protect your screen.

A screensaver is not just a personalized special-effects device that you use on your computer. It is also functional in preventing early screen degradation. If you intend to leave your computer running for long periods of time, it is advised that you implement a screensaver to operate when the computer is idle. Windows XP has settings that allow users to set a photographic screensaver using the "My Pictures" folder, as well as pre-programmed screensavers. For those users who are unfamiliar with Windows operating systems, it is relatively easy to set up a personalized screensaver on your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Windows XP
• Computer mouse

Instructions

1. Click "Start" on the bottom left corner on your screen. This will reveal a menu that will give you options to open programs or other applications. You will notice on the right column a sub-menu. In that sub-menu is the "Control Panel." Move your mouse and click on the "Control Panel" option to activate it.

2. A new window will open containing all the "Control Panel" applications available. All icons will appear in alphabetical order. Find the icon labeled "Display" and double-click it. A new box will appear called "Display Properties." You will have the option of five tabs to choose from; select "Screen Saver."

3. If you currently do not have a screensaver set to activate, the box below the screen image will say "(None)." To the right of that, at the end of the box, is a small black down facing arrow. Click the black arrow to open a menu. This menu is the list of available screensavers. You can click any of the choices and use the "Preview" button to the far right of the box to see how the screensaver will appear. At this time, do not move your mouse otherwise it will deactivate the preview. If you find a screensaver you like, you can select it, click "Apply," then "OK" at the bottom of the box.

4. To set up a "My Pictures" screensaver, choose that option from the same drop-down menu. It is important that you have some pictures in the "My Pictures" folder, even if they are just sample pictures. If the folder is empty, it will not show anything. Below the menu selection window, there is a "Wait" button. This allows you to select how long the screen can be idle before the screensaver activates. You can set this number to any amount of minutes from one or more. You can also set the screensaver to prompt you for a password when the computer resumes use. This is an optional feature, and you are not required to set a password. When you are done, click "Apply" then "OK."