Hello Windows 7 IT Pro - Helping a client with his new Windows 7 Home HP desktop. No matter what settings we use, the screensaver does not come on and the power settings do not shut off his monitor. We tried a number of combinations - screensaver to come on in one minute, various power saver settings, but no success. All help appreciated, JohnJohn Murray

Two things, one, is he part of an Active Directory? there could be a GPO. 2nd is I have seen this on default shipped preloaded HP machines from some retailers like MaxOffice, and Binders, and so forth... HP shippes them to box stores with a reg key setting tweaked so that while the unit sits on the sales floor, they never go to a screensaver. Check the registry HK_Current_User\Ccontrol Panel\Desktop -> ScreensaverActive = 0 If it is 0 change it to 1 by right clicking ScreensaverActive Chose modify then replace the 0 with 1 and hit OK:P Advice offered, If you need more help it is advised to seek the council and advice of paid professionals. The answer is always 42, or reboot.

Thank you, Jason. This is a stand-alone workstation purchased directly from HP online. I'll check that registry entry and see what setting is used - thanks. Regards, JohnJohn Murray

Also be aware, that some of the genrous spamware they tend to load up machines with can cause and issue with the screensaver/power options. Make sure to update the drivers, particularly the video driver, some third party video control panels like ati/nvidia/intel can disable the screensaver function in favor of thier control panel:P Advice offered, If you need more help it is advised to seek the council and advice of paid professionals. The answer is always 42, or reboot.

Two things, one, is he part of an Active Directory? there could be a GPO. 2nd is I have seen this on default shipped preloaded HP machines from some retailers like MaxOffice, and Binders, and so forth... HP shippes them to box stores with a reg key setting tweaked so that while the unit sits on the sales floor, they never go to a screensaver. Check the registry HK_Current_User\Ccontrol Panel\Desktop -> ScreensaverActive = 0 If it is 0 change it to 1 by right clicking ScreensaverActive Chose modify then replace the 0 with 1 and hit OK:P Advice offered, If you need more help it is advised to seek the council and advice of paid professionals. The answer is always 42, or reboot.

Thanks again, Jason. I'll work with this guy again early next week and try the registry fix you suggest and check his spamware. Regards, JohnJohn Murray

Just curious... Are you using the Windows power manager to configure these settings or the HP power manager that comes installed on the computer? I have noticed sometimes these "programs" compete with each other just like two anti-viruses do and problems arise.

garveyk659 - when I see this guy next week I'll check which power manager is active. Thanks, JohnJohn Murray