How do I manually run a screensaver on a PC?

Question

I've seen answers about making a shortcut of an *.scr file and clicking on it to run the screensaver.I tried this - but when I click on it, it just opens settings to alter. it doesn't run the screensaver. Any suggestions? thanks

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I have windowsXP I right click in desktop, properties, screensaver, then preview. Then be very careful not to hit a key, or touch your mouse.

Source(s):

Computer Tech

Answer 2

Well, you can preview it. (from the Desktop Properties menu, where you choose the screen saver).

Are you sure you've got the shortcut pointing to the right place? Make sure you're pointing the shortcut to the .scr files in the System32 folder (C:WINDOWS\system32).

Some examples in the system32 folder:
scrnsave.scr
ss3dfo.scr
ssbezier.scr
ssflwbox.scr

Answer 3

What you could do is right click on your desktop and go to the tab with the screen sever and hit the button that says Preview.

I do not recall ever hearing about this shortcut but i will look into it.

Source(s):

Only 8 years working on computers

Answer 4

All the answer I see for XP suggest exactly what you have done. Perhaps it is the screen saver you are using? Is it something special or a standard Windows one?

Answer 5

The technique is different depending on the operating system you are using. You didn't specify. Windows XP? Vista? Linux?