How to Set Screensaver on XP

Screensavers show moving images or patterns to prevent screen burn.

A screensaver is a program that runs when your computer is idle and shows a pattern or other moving object on the screen. The purpose of such a program is to keep your screen from showing the same image for a long period of time, which on older monitors can cause the image to burn permanently into the screen. You can also set up a screensaver just to provide some style to your Windows XP computer or to make the computer more fun for users.

Instructions

1. Press "Start" and click on "Control Panel." Open the "Display" options.

2. Choose the "Screen Saver" tab. Select a screensaver from the list of installed screensavers under the heading "Screen saver."

3. Click "Preview" to test how the screensaver will look when it runs on your computer. Move the mouse or press a key during the preview to return to the selection screen.

4. Click the "Settings" button to set specific options for the specific screensaver that you have selected. Preview the screensaver again to see how it looks with different settings.

5. Specify the number of minutes that your computer must be idle before the screensaver comes on in the "Wait" box. Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Move your mouse or press any key to stop the screensaver while it is running.

References

• Windows XP Professional Product Documentation: To Set or Change a Screen Saver
• Microsoft: Windows XP - Set Up Your Screen Saver