XP Screensaver problem

There must have been some XP update that has effected my Screensaver so that will allow me to install the screensaver and view but when I recheck the install the Display Properties says None.

I found this same question posed before but no real fix. I copy and paste:

"I cannot use the sreensaver on my XP.In fact I can install and preview it but after I click OK and come back into properties it sets back to none.No problem with default ones but any others just wouldn't work .Any ideas will be appreciated
I've tried all the different ways to set it but it just immedeately resets itself back to 'none'.Any ideas? "

I surely hope someone knows the answer cause it is soooo frustrating. And I thank you for the help.

 

Hi and welcome to the BBS,

Have you ever installed third party (non-Windows) screensavers?

I am not sure what is meant by "default ones" or "other ones ".

Look at the Theme, set it back to a Windows one if it is a modified type.

Matt

 

This is 3rd party screensavers that I've used for years from freeze.com that I'm refering to. I guess when I said default I really mean the screensavers that come from Microsoft XP and of course they all work perfectly. Oddely though there is one screensaver that I had loaded that is working fine but when I added a Fall screen saver it didn't stay loaded in the Display Properties/Screensaver list. Nan

 

I am surprised you are not having other issues. freeze.com screensavers are known sources of Adware-WhenU, Adware-Url.gen and New.net malware.

McAfee SiteAdvisor/freeze.com

WOT/freeze.com

I would assume one of the updates was for Windows Defender and it detected and removed the infected screensaver files.

Follow the directions here;
http://www.windowsbbs.com/announcement.php?f=41

When done post the required logs here;
http://www.windowsbbs.com/forumdisplay.php?f=41

 

Wow and double wow I've never seemed to have these problems with them(freeze) the McAfee comments about them are both scary and benign. I was a member so I got the apps that had no obvious ads etc. And I love their screen savers I have McAfee antivirus; PC tools registry mechanic and a little thing called CleanUp 4.5.2 Other than that just the Windows Defender (that I was hesitant to download.) I don't do automatic from Microsoft otherwise I'm sure I'd have other issues with SP3. The info that BBS is requestion sounds extensive. And safe? I know skeptic after the fact. Nan

 

It is up to you to run the scans for malware and post the logs in the malware section of the forums. We have excellent people here who can help you clean any malware from your system. I would highly recommend that you make sure your system is clean. SP3 is not evil. There are some proprietary PCs that you would need to visit the manufacturer's website, such as HP/Compaq & eMachine, to see if they have an update to install prior to installing SP3.

 

Ok I've done the DDS and Attach text thing but how do I zip the Attach.txt file?

 

Hi, I've posted on malware site as 3rd party screensaver malfunction on XP but I'm not sure how to link to this Thread but anyway I was told there is no malware. So am I at the end of the trail? Nan

 

It should (!!!) be simple. Just uninstall any third party screensaver and then reinstall it again...BUT the ones that carry spyware/malware probably won't have a decent uninstaller. Yours doesn't seem to carry malware, but that does not mean it will uninstall correctly (I just don't install them after trying to deal with problems like yours and their malware. They are the "free ", but not really free software).

You are a member at Freeze.com, try looking around there. I have checked there before and I was not convinced that they tell you whole story. What is their policy for support for their products and what do you get for being a member?

Windows screensavers work OK (don't they?) I don't see it as a Windows problem. The place you probably need to enquire/search at is the manufacturer's website.

Sorry, but I tell people to actively avoid free screensavers, the same as free games, they usually bring more with them than you expected.

If you go through the reinstallation again, read their Agreement very carefully.

Matt

 

Firstly I have Add/Removed the screensaver(s) a zillion times for over 4-5 years and they have always worked and being a member of Freeze there were no (overt) ads.
Since Microsoft has sent a million fixes since last fall when I Added the fall screensaver last fall that I particularly am refering to and had no problem with, I am giving "credit" to whatever Microsoft has sent between now and then. Secondly I have made an inquiry to Freeze tech support but they are not very computer savvy or I have not gotten past a first level tech.
Thirdly to get back to the screensaver I am presently trying to use. I can't even remove it because some log won't open so I have to remove it manually and I'm sure pieces of it remain all over the place including the registry.
How can it be that I'm the only one with this problem?

 

nanasim, with any "free " screensaver I have dealt with, sooner or later there seems to be problems, that is my experience, no-one else's. Windows allows you to run third party programs on your system, whether they are good to run (or even if they work correctly or the level of support) have been made when you accept the Agreement.

If Windows screensavers work fine, but a third party's screensaver has problems, I don't blame Windows first.

You say you uninstalled and reinstalled screensavers a zillion times Why? (and only had Windows Updates a million times )

I don't doubt that the screensaver has worked well in the past, but it seems to me to be a problem with the program that runs the screensaver now, not Windows.

Me, I would tell you to ask for support from the screensaver's manufacturer. If they don't offer support for their product, I would look elsewhere.

Matt

 

Well Matt I guess there is no answer to my problem only that screensavers always worked and then the XP fixes came along they didn't work anymore.
I would install and uninstall cause I have a lot of seasonal scrensavers and I didn't want them loaded all year round especially with limited HD space.
But I know it's Microsoft cause the screensaver works in a Preview but Microsoft software doesn't let it Apply to the Display.
A far as the Freeze Techs go well limited knowledge to put it mildly. Oh well, Nan

 

Very honest, thanks Nan. Only that I think you have the bull by the wrong end (not by the horns ).

Do some general searches for the "problem ". Unfortunately, if I find something that has given me grief in the past, it goes onto my black list (and that is not "i don't like it ", that is from my research).

Whiskeyman gave you some tips, check them out as thoroughly as you can.

Windows might show you the picture of the screensaver, but running a third party screensaver program might be something completely different.

The screensaver program will be written to run on Windows, that does not mean that it was written well (or want to try any "tricks" like Whiskeyman alluded to).

Matt

 

Ha, the bulls got it wrong Well I am very sad Shall I just close the thread now? If someone ever finds an answer will I ever know? Nevertheless these screensavers worked for years and now they are not soooo ??? Nan