No screen saver option.

[mike12]

I bought a used computer from where I work. Everything works properly as far as I can tell. It is running XP Pro and the computer is about 4 years old. The only thing I can't figure out is, if I go into Control Panel , and then display, there are no screen saver options. Can I get them from my XP Pro disc, or is there an easier way ?

[Statica]

It's just an admin policy that was set to prevent users from toggling around screensavers and screensaver passwords. To return it back to the original you have to log in as the Administrator or a user with Admin rights.
2 ways to do it depending on your comfort level (both ways accomplish the same)
a) Open your registry editor (start > run > regedit)
b) Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
c) Change the key NoDispScrSavPage from 1 to 0

OR

a) Open your group policy editor (Start > RUN > gpedit.msc)
b) Go to LOCAL COMPUTER POLICY > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Display
c) Double click on Hide screensaver tab and change it to NOT CONFIGURED.
Reboot

Either way, I would run thru the group policy editor to make sure that there aren't more security restrictions from your workplace that arent pertinent as a home user. Change any policy to Not Configured to get it to the default.

[mike12]

Thanks Statica, your the man !

[mike12]

Hi Statica---finally got around to trying your suggestions. I did the registry editor first, and changed the NoDispScrSavPage value from 1 to 0 Then I went to Display in Control Panel and did see the Screensaver tab. However I could not change anything. I thought maybe I had to reboot, so I did. When I went back into Display, the Screensaver tab was gone again. Then I tried the gpedit.msc After Administrative Templates, I did not have a Control Panel. The only thing after Admin. Templates was Windows Components. Any other suggestions rather than a format and re-install ? Thanks, Mike

[Statica]

Originally Posted by mike12 Then I tried the gpedit.msc After Administrative Templates, I did not have a Control Panel. The only thing after Admin. Templates was Windows Components. Any other suggestions rather than a format and re-install ? Thanks, Mike

Are you looking in Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration? I asked you to look into Local Computer Policy > User Configuration .....

It sounds like there are a TON of group policies that are enabled (like they should be in any good workplace machine) .. so make sure you go through the settings and set it to what I've asked.

When you go to LOCAL COMPUTER POLICY > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel
Check the settings there as well.

[mike12]

Yes, I looked in Local Computer Policy / User Configurations / Administrative Templates / but after Administrative Templates I do NOT see Control Panel. There are only three items to choose, Windows Componetns is one of the three. I forget the other two right now. On this computer, after Administrative Templates I see the following : Control Panel, Desktop, Network, Shared Folder, Start and Taskbar, System, and Windows componets. But I do not see Control Panel on the other computer.

[Ob1]

might be time to run a windows repair, or backup and re install the OS. especially if your missing local computer policy settings

[Statica]

Try downloading: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

[mike12]

I downloaded and installed those Group Policy ADM files per the instructions. Everything went as expected and appeared to be installed, however nothing new was added to the Administrative Templates folder. I still only see one item (not three like I said yesterday) and that was Windows Components. Any other suggestions before I am forced to format and re-install ? Should I download that file again, and install it while in Safe Mode ? There seems to be something in the computer that is stopping me from doing these things and really taking effect.

[Statica]

mike12: check your PM

[mike12]

Hi Statica--Downloaded and installed that system.adm file per your instructions, still no luck. Nothing has been added to that Administrative Template folder yet. Is there any other file than I can copy from my good computer that is also running XP Pro, and then install it on the other computer ? Should I try that "sfc /scannow" ? The only problem is I did not get a XP Pro disc. with the computer. I bought it as is. If I do that "sfc /scannow" could I use my disc. if asked for by Windows ? That is why I am trying to avoid a nuke and pave-I do not have the original disc. Maybe I can talk to the IT people at work and see if they do something to the computers to stop people from messing with them. I guess I could just live with the computer the way it is, not that big a deal. I do want to thank you though for all your effort and suggestions !! PCMech rocks.

[Ob1]

if the IT dept won't help you with a disc, you can always go buy xp home for $90.

[Statica]

Check out: http://technet2.microsoft.com/Window....mspx?mfr=true

You're much better off buying your own copy of XP, since your firm hasnt sold you the license to the XP that is preloaded on your system.