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Screensaver tab missing in Display properties

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LilBob

LilBob

Technical User
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Jul 25, 2008
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Running XP Home updated to SP3 on a HP Pavilion 360. I've installed all M$ patches & updated all running apps. It was badly infected with an expired AV app. I cleaned out all the nasties using MBAM, Spybot, Avast & anything else I could throw at it. HJT log is clean, but screensaver tab is still missing. I've tried adding new values to registry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER & HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to no avail. I don't want to reformat the HD & reinstall everything if not necessary (especially since he's not sure if he has the OS disk - I have one here but it was for a Dell PC, so I'm not sure if that would work). Any suggestions?

Bob
 
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ScreenSaveActive" appears in these locations when the Group Policy is not configured. The last two keys may vary depending on users etc.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-507921405-839522115-725345543-1008\Control Panel\Desktop




If you enable it in Group Policy "ScreenSaveActive" appears in these keys. Again the last 3 keys may be slightly different depending on users.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-507921405-839522115-725345543-1008\Control Panel\Desktop

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-507921405-839522115-725345543-1008\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop

In all cases the valuedata is 1 for active or 0 for disabled (Reg_SZ)





 
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Could be a group policy problem. try going into your GP editor as an administrator -- start->run->gpedit.msc . once you're in there, navigate to "User Configuration/System/Desktop; Look in there for anything that is 'Enabled' Chances are, if anything is enabled it will be your problem. If you're not the admin, be creative ;). Happy hunting.
 
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As he is running XP Home I doubt he has any Group Policy installed, which brings us back to using the Registry.
 
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Here's what I've tried (unsuccessfully) so far,

added NoDispScrSavPage to the following in the registry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3207847200-15325886375-2419647484-1003

as REG_DWORD with a Value Data of 0.

Ben, had already tried both those fixes. I downloaded & ran
ScrnSvrTb.Show.reg and sstabmissing.reg.

You're right linney, no group policy is set up. "ScreenSaveActive" appears in:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18\Control Panel\Desktop
as well as
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-19\Control Panel\Desktop
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20\Control Panel\Desktop &
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3207847200-15325886375-2419647484-1003\Control Panel\Desktop

all showing Value Data 1 (Reg_SZ). Don't know if this is important but it also displays "ScreenSaverIsSecure" with a
Value Data 0 (Reg_SZ) in all locations.

A search for screensavers finds none although 3DFlowerbox runs after about 5 minutes idle time. Also XP & Classic are only DT themes available. Display will only allow 800 by 600 or 1024 by 768 pixels and either 16 or 32 bit color quality. CHKDSK found no errors. I may try running SFC later even though I don't have his OS disk. I have a fear that the HD became too corrupted from the malware & viruses & I'll need to do a clean install. Any other ideas?

Thanks for the suggestions, Bob
 
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Tried that too ... still the same problem with screensaver, DT themes & display settings with new user. Tried running MBAM in safe mode & still no problems found. Reran HJT & log looks clean. Here's a copy of this last log:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 8:02:00 PM, on 5/11/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16827)
Boot mode: Safe mode with network support

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\HiJack This\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page_bak = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Comcast
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\WINDOWS\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTMSG] LTMSG.exe 7
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware] C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe /install /silent
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: AutoPlay.exe (User 'Default user')
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.comcast.net
O16 - DPF: {3AF4DACE-36ED-42EF-9DFC-ADC34DA30CFF} (PatchInstaller.Installer) - file://D:\content\include\XPPatchInstaller.CAB
O16 - DPF: {8B1BC605-C593-4865-8F5B-05517F0CD0BB} (MSSecurityAdvisorCD Class) - file://D:\Content\include\msSecUcd.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) -
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe

--
End of file - 3862 bytes

Bob
 
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Do you know what this refers to?
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: AutoPlay.exe (User 'Default user')

Do you see the ScreenSaver tab from Safe Mode?

It just may be that after all the "cleaning" something has got chucked out with the bath water?

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If he you know the installed Product Key and have a matching CD (ServicePack, OEM, etc.) maybe you can get away with just a repair install?

You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)


Maybe it is time to spend a few dollars and obtain the correct recovery media from the manufacturer?

See the paragraph "Replacement OEM or system builder software media"

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware


HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set
 
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Sorry for the delay in replying but haven't been feeling well. Talked with the owner & found out he didn't want the tower back. It had been sitting in his closet for quite some time. When it started giving him problems, he bought a new one. He got what he wanted which was the recovered files I copied for him (docs, pix & music). So I'm now the owner of a sick PC. Here's what is going on now:

Screensaver not visible in Safe Mode,
ChkDsk /r found no problems,
SFC /scannnow would start with running Windows File Protection & then stop never asking for disk

I was considering contacting HP to obtain a Recovery CD set when my brain kicked in. I was checking some system info when I noticed the amount of used & free space did not coincide with the HD capacity. I then remembered that HP sold their PC's with a hidden partition that contained the system recovery rather than supply a recovery disk. You could make one copy of this but it ticked off a lot of people because that hidden partition used up about 5-10 GB's of HD space. I ran the sys recovery & all seemed fine, other than the junk files that HP bundled with it like Web Tangent, WeatherBug & long expired trial offers but the Screensaver tab was back where it belonged. All SP's were lost as linney mentioned. I cleaned out the junk apps. Later I tried to defrag the HD before reinstalling the SP's & all patches. First glitch noticed, M$ Disk Cleanup would work (used Ccleaner anyway) but Disk Defragmenter would not. Error message stating not part of M$ Mamagement Console, not authorized to use it or not part of msc. Dfrg.msc was listed in System32. Minor problem I thought, so I used AusLogics' defrag tool & continued to check other apps to make sure all was running right.
When I rebooted the PC, a 2nd glitch appeared. It takes 6-11 minutes to boot up (Safe Mode too). Shutting down all
unnecessary apps from starting @ boot was no help. The few apps in Programs Start menu take an unusual amount of time to bring up also.
The last glitch to appear was it won't allow me to install the SP's or any patches from neither the CD's I have nor Windows Update site.
I'm about ready to rerun sys recovery & uninstall the junk files one at a time to see which one is messing up the OS. Any other ideas as to what is causing this & why?

Thanks for the help, Bob
 
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Could be a bad or failing drive...

If you can, clone the drive (the HP partition or create an install CD), then NUKE it with DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) and reinstall windows...

or you could also try a fresh HD, use a regular XP OEM (same flavor as the installed one, e.g. HOME or PRO) and try the License KEY on the side of the PC... It may or may not work installing with that key...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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Ben, linney I would love to try all your suggestions but things have gotten worse. First, diagostic check of HD (Samsung) showed status Healthy, Event Viewer displayed no problems & Device Manager no conflicts. That was after last good boot. PC will no longer boot. It starts the boot sequence & gets as far as displaying the Start button & the clock in the taskbar & goes no further.
I'm going to try rerunning sys recovery again. If it works, I'll create a sys recovery set of CD's before doing anything else. I'll then check the RAM memeory & obtain the diagnostic software from Samsung for the HD. If it is the HD, I have new WD drives here I can install & an OEM XP Home disk (or I'll buy the recovery set if need be). I'll let you know how things go with running system recovery.

Thanks again for you help, Bob
 
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Running System Recovery didn't work. It would finish the installing but Windows still wouldn't start. It would show the Windows XP Home logo and Windows starting ... please wait. Occasionally, that screen would fade away only to reappear.
If I have suitable RAM sticks, I’ll try replacing them 1st. Otherwise; I’ll replace the HD & install an OEM version that I have. Strange thing is when I was able to boot it up, I ran Belarc Advisor & it came up with a different product key code than what was listed on the COA on the tower. Magic Jelly Bean displayed the same key as Belarc.

Unless I hear other ideas, I’ll go ahead with my plan.

Thanks once more for your help, Bob
 
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The windows key is because they install a sysprep image with a different key. The key they use doesnt force an activate windows. Thye must by their agreement with Microsoft provide a COA sticker with a valid key.
I have found that most HP or Compaq computers come with an underpowered power supply that usually dies not to long after the warranty. Power supply issues can cause weird issues have you tried a different power supply?
 
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Belarc Advisor has this note at the bottom of the page.

"e. This may be the manufacturer's factory installed product key rather than yours.
 
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Back again!

Sorry again for the delay but had some rush jobs come in so my problem got pushed to the back burner. I installed a new HD & installed XP Home from a Dell disc I had (lot less junk came piggy backed). Validation went OK but response time a bit slow. Started running MemTest last night & it's currently at 170% coverage with no errors. Actually, it doesn't seem as sluggish with the test running. I'm going to download & run Windows Memory Diagnostic & see what that comes up with.

Thanks again for your help, Bob
 
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Stopped MemTest at over 200% coverage with no errors. I ran Windows Memory Diagnostic standard & extended test about 8 passes with no errors found. Unfortunately, it still run slow; it takes about 9 mitutes from clicking restart to finish booting for use. No other apps havve been installed, just the OS & I shut down windows messenger from starting at boot. I'm racking my brain here trying to think of causes for this that make sense.

Any ideas? Thanks, Bob
 
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I think I found the problem. I tried updating to SP2 & it pretty well froze up. CPU usage showed 100%. As mentioned earlier, PC only has OS installed. I guess I'll have to replace it.

Thanks again, Bob
 
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So you tested the RAM and it did not FREEZE, which indicates to me that the CPU itself is OK as well...

have you tried another hard drive, or was the install on the OLD drive (which I had mentioned could be failing)?

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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