Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I install a screensaver on my computer?

• What are the system requirements for Screensavers.com screensavers and wallpaper?
• Why does it take so long to download a screensaver?
• I’ve downloaded a screensaver but don’t see anything on my screen—where is it?
• Do I need to adjust my display settings to view the screensavers?
• How do I remove a screensaver from my computer?
• Can I create my own screensavers?
• What should I do with the *.exe file I downloaded? Is this file required after I have successfully installed the screensaver?

How do I install the screensaver on my computer?

RateMyScreensaver screensavers are installed using the following steps:

1.) Find the *.exe file you downloaded to your system (likely on your desktop).

2.) Double-click (left mouse button) on this file and follow the on screen instructions.

3.) The setup wizard will confirm that you are about to install the screensaver. Click “Install”.

4.) The setup wizard will automatically launch the “Display” window for you where you can preview the screensaver and set it as your default. If for any reason the “Display” windows does not show up go to ‘Settings’ (in Start Button) -> ‘Control Panel’ -> ‘Display’ and then click the ‘Screen Saver’ tab.

5.) The setup wizard will inform you that installation is complete!

What are the system requirements for Screensavers.com screensavers and wallpaper?

Our screensavers are compatible with personal computers running Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, NT, XP, and Vista. We regret that we don’t have screensavers for Mac users at this time.

Why does it take so long to download a screensaver?

Some of the screensavers on RateMyScreensaver.com are large files (1-5 MB) and will take a minute or two to download. If you are accessing the site through a dial-up connection, the download process can take longer.

I’ve downloaded a screensaver but don’t see anything on my screen—where is it?

Once you’ve downloaded a screensaver, it will not display until your computer (keyboard, mouse and screen) has been idle for some set amount of time.
To look at your current settings for screensavers, to adjust settings, or to preview the one you’ve downloaded:
Go to ‘Settings’ (in Start Button) -> ‘Control Panel’ -> ‘Display’ and then click the ‘Screen Saver’ tab.
Your new screensaver will display as the current screensaver in the drop-down menu. To preview the screensaver, click ‘Preview’.

Note on install the ‘Display’ will be loaded for you automatically so you can preview the screensaver.

Do I need to adjust my display settings to view the screensavers?

RateMyScreensaver.com features screensavers that will display properly with most standard color palettes and screen resolutions so you shouldn’t have to change your display settings. However - if the screensaver does not look its best (bland colors, too small on the screen, etc.), check the following:
Colors: All screensavers (unless noted) are full color. If you are running Windows 95 and see sudden color changes, then your color palette may be set to 256 colors. To check your color palette settings, go to ‘Settings’ (in Start Button) -> ‘Control Panel’ -> ‘Display’ and then click the ‘Settings’ tab to change the color palette to ‘High Color’ (16-bit).
Sizing: All RateMyScreensaver.com screensavers are designed for optimal display at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and 1280 x 1024. To check your screen resolution settings, go to ‘Settings’ (in Start Button) -> ‘Control Panel’ -> ‘Display’ and then click the ‘Settings’ tab to adjust your screen resolution.

How do I remove a screensaver from my computer?

To remove a screensaver, go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Control Panel’ -> ‘Add/Remove’. Scroll down the list of installed programs until you find the title of the screensaver(s) you want to remove. Select each entry then click ‘Remove’.

Can I create my own screensavers?

We do not offer the ability for people to create their own screensavers at this time.

What should I do with the *.exe file I downloaded? Is this file required after I have successfully installed the screensaver?

No, the *.exe file you downloaded is not needed after you have successfully installed the screensaver–you can go ahead and delete this file.