Screensaver won't launch

[Einstein47]

I don't know if anyone has heard of this one before. But I am on a domain, and when I have the checkbox "On resume, password protect" selected, my screensaver will not run at all. As soon as I clear that checkbox, it will run without a problem.

Now I think it has to do with some interaction by another application, because sometimes it will work as soon as I reboot (before I launch email, browser, etc.). However, there are also sometimes that it won't work, but I close my email client (Novell Groupwise) and it will start. Or I close my VNC viewer application and it will start.

I have done searches about wireless mouse sensitivity or bad video drivers, but that is not my case. It only has to do with the "On resume, password protect" checkbox being selected.

If anyone has any ideas what to even look for (maybe a registry setting, or something) please let me know. I work in an office with jokesters and they love to play pranks when you aren't at your PC (like swapping the mouse buttons, or putting a wallpaper on your machine, etc.) So I can't leave my PC without locking it. Winkey+L works nice, but then my screensaver never runs, so I worry about burn-in on my monitor.

Thanks in advance!

Einstein47 (Starbase47.com)
“PI is like love - simple, natural, irrational, endless, and very important“

 

[TonHu]

I had trouble with the wireless Microsoft Comfort keyboard & mouse drivers, yes, straight from microsoft. They moved the mouse about every so much seconds, and the screensaver never would come into action (we have a similar lock-your-desktop policy). Removing the extra software (and later switching back to a proper logitech wireless keyboard/mouse set, but that's another issue) solved the problem. The standard Windows drivers are enough to get the keyboard and mouse working properly. The extra buttons I never use, so that's just fine.

HTH
TonHu

 

[linney]

Have you tried different screensavers? If you are able to login with a different user does the screensaver work?

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560

Anything to do with Screensavers would be covered by these.

Check this Registry Location
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop


Group Policy.

ScreenSaverIsSecure

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc959135.aspx

Local Computer Policy/ User Configuration/ Administrative Templates/ Control Panel/
Click on Display and see if any of the Screensaver options are disabled.

Local Machine.

ScreenSaverIsSecure

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc959646.aspx

Screen Saver Is Not Password Protected If Started Manually

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q228160

Windows XP Screensaver Timeout Problem
thread779-639552



Control Panel/ Display/ ScreenSaver/ Power/ Advanced. Check for any password prompt.
Also make sure your settings under Power Schemes are what you want.






LCD Image Persistence
Can Burn-In Happen to LCD Monitors?

http://compreviews.about.com/od/monitors/a/LCDBurnIn.htm

 

[Einstein47]

Thank you for the suggestions:

TonHu - I am using a wired keyboard and mouse. I have even tried different (meaning older, non-USB) keyboard and mouse, with the same issue.

Linney - thank you for all the links. I have tried many different screen-savers (from blank screen, window logon, the 3D savers, even 3rd party - all exhibit the same behavior). I tried most of your links dealing with registry settings, and mine seem to be in order (nothing missing).

I will try using a different user - if that solves the problem, then it would mean my user account is corrupt in some way. I'll cross that bridge when/if I get to it.

[red]Thanks to both of you![/red]

Einstein47 (Starbase47.com)
“PI is like love - simple, natural, irrational, endless, and very important“

 

[BadBigBen]

I am on a domain

could be a GPO blocking Screensavers with Passwords...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[Einstein47]

Hey Ben,

If that were true, then the screensaver would always fail when the password is activated. However, like I also mentioned, it will work right after a reboot or if I don't launch certain applications like Novell Groupwise or VNC Viewer. And sometimes it will function again AFTER closing certain apps (and sometimes not - no rhyme or reason).

I wish this were more reproduceble, but it DEFINITELY is related to the Password Protection of the screensaver.

Einstein47 (Starbase47.com)
“PI is like love - simple, natural, irrational, endless, and very important“

 

[BadBigBen]

Einstein47, ok I missed that...

Side note: with the advent of TFT monitors, 'burn in' became almost nonexistent...

the reason why it does not work, I would look at the apps running, they may have a feature that suppresses the password-screensavers, to allow a hassle free continuation of the work that you are on, etc...

I guess a kind off work-around would be to use the WINKEY+L with the DPMS of the monitor. The setting for the DPMS can be found under the Energy Options of either the Display Properties or in the Control Panel...



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"