How to Delete Screensavers on Windows XP

Delete all versions of screensaver files from your Windows XP computer.

The Windows XP operating system comes with previously installed screensaver files that can be set to play whenever your computer goes into "Sleep" mode. Windows XP screensavers can also be downloaded from a variety of websites. If you are tired of these screensavers or just want to free up space on your computer, you may want to delete some Windows XP screensavers. In order to do so effectively, you must locate all versions of those screensavers.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," which is located on the left portion of the Windows XP taskbar. The XP "Start" menu appears.

2. Choose the "Run" option on the right side of the menu. A "Run" window opens.

3. Type "System32" inside the open box, then click "OK." The "System32" window opens.

4. Hold the "Ctrl" key on your keyboard. Click every screensaver file--the files with an ".scr" extension--that you would like to delete. Press "Delete" on the keyboard. An alert window opens. Click "Yes" in this window, then close the "System32" folder.

5. Click "Start" in the taskbar again. Choose "Run" once more.

6. Enter "dllcache" in the "Run" box. Click "OK." The "dllcache" window appears.

7. Repeat step 4 to delete the backups of all of the screensaver files. Make sure that you delete only the names of the files that were deleted in step 4. When you're finished, an alert window opens.

8. Click "Cancel" in the window. A second alert pops up. Click "Yes."

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to only click on and delete the files with ".scr" file extensions. Deleting non-screensaver files could cause instability in Windows XP.

References

• Kelly's Korner: Windows XP from A to Z
• Windows XP A to Z: Delete Unwanted Screen Savers
• Ask Leo: How Do I Delete Screensavers on Windows XP