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Windows Vista

Working with Screen Savers

This document will show you how to personalize the screen saver options on Windows Vista. You will be familiarized with applying and modifying screen saver settings and related energy management tools.

return to topApplying a Screen Saver

Screen savers are computer programs that displays various images to prevent screen burn-in when a computer is not in use. Screen savers can be changed with the Personalization Settings.

  1. In a blank part of the Desktop, right click » select Personalize
    The Personalize appearance and sounds pane appears.

  2. Click SCREEN SAVER
    The Screen Saver Settings dialog box appears.
    Screen Saver Settings dialog box

  3. From the Screen saver pull-down list, select the desired screen saver
    A preview appears in the dialog box.

  4. To change settings unique to your screen saver
    1. Click SETTINGS...
      The [Selected Screen Saver] Settings dialog box appears.
      NOTE: Not all screen savers have settings to customize. [Selected Screen Saver] Settings dialog box
    2. Make the desired changes

    3. Click SAVE

  5. OPTIONAL: For a full-screen preview, click PREVIEW
    NOTE: The preview continues until you move your mouse.

  6. If you are satisfied with the screen saver preview, click APPLY
    If you are dissatisfied, repeat steps 3-5

  7. Click OK

return to topAdjusting Screen Saver Settings

Screen saver settings include the Wait option. The Wait option designates how long the computer will sit idle before the screen saver turns on. This setting is found in the Display Properties dialog box.

  1. In a blank part of the Desktop, right click » select Personalize
    The Personalize appearance and sounds pane appears.

  2. Click SCREEN SAVER
    The Screen Saver Settings dialog box appears.

  3. To adjust the amount of time before the screen saver activates, in the Wait text box, type the desired number of minutes
    OR
    Use the nudge buttons to select the number of minutes

  4. OPTIONAL: To preview the screen saver, click PREVIEW
    NOTE: The preview continues until you move your mouse.

  5. If you are satisfied with the screen saver preview, click APPLY
    If you are dissatisfied, repeat steps 3-5

  6. Click OK

return to topAdjusting Power Options

Screen saver settings include the Change Power Settings option to manage energy use. This option allows you to choose when the computer will automatically turn off the monitor, or put the computer into sleep mode.

  1. In a blank part of the Desktop, right click » select Personalize
    The Personalize appearance and sounds pane appears.

  2. Click SCREEN SAVER
    The Screen Saver Settings dialog box appears.

  3. In the Power Management section, click CHANGE POWER SETTINGS...
    The Power Options window appears.
    power options

  4. In the Preferred Plans section, select a power planPreferred plans

  5. In the task pane, click CHOOSE WHEN TO TURN OFF THE DISPLAY
    The Edit Plan Settings window appears.

  6. To set when your monitor will turn off, from the Turn off the display pull-down menu, select the desired time period

  7. To set when your hard disks will turn off, from the Put the computer to sleep pull-down menu, select the desired length of time

  8. Click SAVE CHANGES

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