In Windows Vista, there is a small variety of screen savers from which to choose, but picking the right one can give a unique feel to your computer. If you want to find out how to access, change or modify your current screen saver, this guide will help you.
Before Beginning
The quickest way to change your screen saver is by using this method. First, you’ll want to minimize – or move – any active programs that are blocking an open area on your desktop. Then, on an open area, right-click with your mouse. From the menu that opens up, you’ll want the option at the very bottom: Personalize. (Note that you can also get to this menu from Appearance and Personalization in the Control Panel, but the desktop method is much more direct.)
The third option from the top, Screen Saver, is the option that you want, so click on that.
A new window, Screen Saver Settings will open, so go ahead and explore the different available screen savers you have available. If any of these can be modified, they can be done under Settings. You can preview how any screen saver looks by clicking on the Preview button to see if that’s the one you want. On top of that, you can change how long you want your computer to be inactive before a screen saver shows up under Wait.
Once you’ve finished personalizing your screen saver, hit OK to save settings.
That’s it! You’re done. Any time you want to change your screensaver, or change the settings, just follow these same steps.
Other Settings
You’ll notice that from the Personalization window, you can change other ways that Windows is displayed, such as colour scheme, desktop backgrounds, sounds, mouse pointers, as well as alternate desktop themes. You can really add a unique feel to your computer by fully exploring what this area has to offer.
Obtaining New Screen Savers
If you don’t like any of the screen savers that are available, you can always find some available online. Be careful when searching, though, as some screen savers could be infected with malware. To help you in your search, you should have a browsing tool like Web of Trust (review here), or McAfee SiteAdvisor (review here) installed so you can filter out good results from bad ones. Either plug-in is free!
Fortunately I have compiled a small list of websites that offer good screen savers. One thing to be wary about when installing these screen savers is that some of them may try to install additional software (such as programs that may anonymously monitor your activity). So in this case, be very certain to read the terms and conditions of each product before you install them. Usually the best way to differentiate is that .exe extensions may have additional software, whereas .scr files are the actual screen savers themselves.
My Vista Themes carries some screen savers, and a lot of them link to off-site pages, like Deviantart, but there isn't any malware or any extra software involved.
Vista123.net carries a wider variety of screen savers, but a lot of them are of the .exe format. While some of them are simply shortcuts to modify your screen saver, some also offer support with links to their website. But as always, read terms and conditions before agreeing to install them so you don't get more than what you want.