How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

[Mark42]

My corporate supplied laptop has me listed as administrator. I can change anything and install any software I like. Except for one annoying setting - Screen Saver Wait minutes. This is low-lighted and not updateable. I am wondering if I can go directly to the file that contains this setting and change it? If so, where is it and how is it done? My guess is it is in the Registry, but I don't know where in there to look.

Thanks.

 

[i386]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

If the settings are greyed out you won't be able to change it. It was probably set with group policy. If you manage to find a way to change it, it'll just revert back later.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

Oh yes, those pesky Group Policies. How do I overide the darn policy?

 

[i386]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

If you're logging into a domain at work, the policies are set by the domain controller. They get refreshed when you login and at regular intervals when you're logged on. Not much chance of getting around them. Now, being a sensible administrator and not the network nazi I would listen to my users. If there was a policy I made that caused the user to be unproductive I would consider making a change in the policy. Some policies are set for security. I can assure there's nothing convenient about being secure. Explain the problem to your system administrator. If you make a good case, he'll probably change or remove the policy for you. I would and have done so in the past.

 

[nothreat]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

I had the same issue at work. I wanted my screen saver to come up more quickly than others for security. I sometimes forget to log off. The Domain Admin simply put me into a special group with separate policy. Took him maybe 10 minutes if memory serves...

 

[tomatolord]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

No it cannot be changed - like they said it is controlled by a group policy - whose purpose is do prevent exactly what you are trying to do - have individuals set up their own little systems with various settings.

screen saver is a basic security setting it should be set to protect systems when users walk away, I have seen it as low as 5 minutes and as high as 1 hour.

There are some mouse clicking programs that claim to keep the screen setter from activitating but most do not work.

windows key and l (letter L) is quickest way to lock a screen.


Tomatolord

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How can Screen Saver settings be overiden in XP?

That works great tomatolord....did not know that trick!