Create Icons to Start the Screensaver on Windows Vista
Reader Jeffrey wrote in asking how to create an icon to start up the screensaver in Windows Vista. This question is so common that I figured I’d write up the answer for everybody, as well as provide a downloadable set of shortcuts to all the default screensavers.
You can read how to actually do this, or skip down and just download the set of shortcuts and choose the ones you want.
Create Screensaver Icon
Right-click on the desktop and choose New \ Shortcut from the menu.
In order to launch the screensaver, you’ll need to enter the full path to the screensaver file, followed by “/s”
%systemroot%\system32\Bubbles.scr /s
You would want to substitute the name of the screensaver where you see “Bubbles.scr” above. Also note that I used %systemroot% instead of C:\windows because not every install uses the C: drive.
If you don’t know the filename, you can browse down to your system32 folder and then search for “.scr” using the search box:
You should see all of the names of all the screensavers installed on your system, which you can use in the location field.
Download Shortcut Icons
If you’ve prefer, I made shortcuts for all the default screensavers and zipped them up. You can just download and extract the file, and then use whichever ones you want.
Note: I’m fairly certain I didn’t miss any default screensavers in the list, but it’s certainly possible since it’s 6am and I’m still awake.
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This works for Windows XP as well.
OK OK but why not just drag’n'drop the .scr from the systems32 folder to the desktop (it works)
This is a good tip, but unfortunately it doesn’t tell the actual OS to start it’s screen saver. If you want the screen to lock and ask for a password after the screen saver starts, this won’t cut it. I use a little tool, nircmd.exe (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html) which tells the OS to start the screen saver. I like using this to lock my PC, instead of Win-L to lock, why not pull up a nice screen saver (family photos) with it requiring a password.
Easier method for setting .scr shortcut: Click computer > C (or your install path) > windows > system32, search for “.scr”. Right click the file > send to > desktop (create shortcut0.
Dear Support,
Thank you for the shortcut advice. I would like to ensure that the return to password logon screen is enabled when using the short cut.
I have Vista photoscreen saver password option enabled and this works when the screensaver runs via the timer. However the screensaver does not return to password screen when I use the created short cut.
Should I use an additional switch within the shortcut command?
Regards
Paul
Hi,
this does not work for me on Vista. My shortcut is to
%systemroot%\System32\Bubbles.scr /s
Start in: C:\Windows\System32
When I try to open the link, it advises “Windoze cannot open this file. Specify a program or look online?”
Nirsoft nirCmd works, thanks!
Hi,
I have found the best way to resolve all the issues is to create a shortcut to lock your computer. Your screen saver password works and the screen saver kicks in after the time delay you set in the Vists screen saver options
Just google short cut lock computer and lots of sites appear
Regards
Paul
How do we disable the screensaver?
why do you have to follow the path with /s?
I downloaded the screen saver icons and extracted them. When I click to open the file it opens and displays the code but no screen saver starts.
When I double click on a shortcut to start a *.scr file, the file opens up in notepad instead of starting the screen saver. What do I need to do to correct thils?
I have followed the above direction but when I double click on my shortcut notepad launches. What can I do to fix this?
I have no problem with the tutorial. But if i wanna give the screensaver a password when u move the mouse again?
on windows explorer menu, select SETTINGS\FOLDER SETTINGS.
select FILE TYPES tab,
click NEW TYPE button,
type SCR as extension,
click ADVANCED>> button,
in drop down list, select SCREENSAVERS item,
click OK,
will ask if you sure,
click OK.
I did this on my computer, and it worked great. However, I am now unable to click the screensaver option when personalizing my desktop. My OS is Vista 64-bit. If I delete this shortcut will that mess up the screen save all together? I don’t want to make shortcuts for all the screensavers.