How do I change default WinXP screensaver?

[jazzman42379]

Howdy all....

Just a quick question for personal preference. In Win2k/XP, is there a way to change which screensaver is displayed when the system is not logged in by anyone? Currently, it shows the simple default WinXP screensaver. Also, how do you change the default background at the same login screen? I know there must be a way because all the computers in the labs here at school run 2k with a school-oriented background at the login screen.

THanx,
Jazzman

 

[corkyg]

Screen savers can be changed in Control Panel, Display, and hit the screen saver tab. You then select what you want and can make it default.

The graphic for the log in screen is beyond me - I never see it anyway - I use autologon courtesy of Tweak.ui.

 

[WhoDeeny]

Check this link for the login & boot screens too: Theme XP

 

[jazzman42379]

corky-g:

I know how to change the screensaver, but I don't see how to make it default. I assume the default screensaver on the system will be what runs at the login screen? Do I need to be logged in as a certain user to set it as default? I already tried logging in as Admin and that didn't do it.

THanx,
Jazzman

 

[c0rv1d43]

The logon screensaver is named "logon.scr", and it is found in the system32 subdirectory under %systemroot%. I suppose that you can substitute another screensaver for it. (Rename the original, or keep a copy of it in another folder, then copy another screensaver file to the name logon.scr.) I haven't actually done this, but I have replaced logon.screen with *ahem* other executables in NT 4.0 and Win2K. I haven't tried that in WinXP, but I suppose it would work the same unless Windows File Protection replaces the file from the cache at boot time. Of course there would be an easy workaround for that, too.

- Collin

 

[corkyg]

Jazzman, for years I have used ScreenSaver Switch - a new version is out - but my old one worked in 98, 98Se, ME and now in XP Pro. It gives me a tray icon that lets me select the screen saver, test it, and also has other features like turning it on and off any time. Maybe that is why when I change something in Display, it stays and becomes default.

This may work as well:

SSSW

 

[jazzman42379]

THanx everyone...I found the reg entry that sets the default settings...both the screensaver and the background!