The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
SUMMARY
It is possible to set up an icon and a shortcut key to activate a
screen saver in Windows NT, similar to Windows 3.1 and Windows for
Workgroups.
NOTE: If you set up a Windows NT screen saver to activate from an icon
or a shortcut key, the password protection option will not be active
if the screen saver is activated in this manner even though the
password option may be enabled in the Desktop dialog box of Control
Panel.
In Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups, it is possible to have
password protection regardless of the way a screen saver is activated.
However, because of the Windows NT security model, password protection
for a screen saver will only be active when the screen saver is
started because the timeout period has expired.
MORE INFORMATION
To activate a screen saver from an icon or shortcut key, use the
following procedure:
- Open the Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) from the Administrative
Tools group.
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious,
system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT
to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems
resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this
tool at your own risk.
- Use the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
\Windows
- Select the Programs value and then choose String from the Edit
menu.
- Add the 'scr' extension to the string as follows:
Programs: REG_SZ: exe com bat pif cmd scr
- Choose OK, close the Registry editor, and log off from Windows NT.
- Log back on to Windows NT, and from the Program Manager window,
choose New from the File menu and then select Program Item.
- Use any Description and on the Command Line, add the path and
filename for a Screen Saver (SCR) file.
Example: C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\SSBEZIER.SCR /S
The /S switch forces the screen saver to start immediately. Remove the
/S to display a setup screen.
- If desired, add a shortcut key to start the screen saver from a
keystroke combination.
NOTE: Program Manager must be active for the shortcut keys to work.
- Choose OK and you will now be able to activate a screen saver
with the icon or a shortcut key.