Change The Amount of Time Before The Monitor Shuts Itself Off

Windows XP independently manages the power settings for your monitor. It is usually set to shut your screen off 15 or 20 minutes after there has been no activity. This saves electricity. It is possible to change the length of time and even to disable altogether.

  1. Right click any blank space on your desktop. This will open up a small menu.
  2. Select 'Properties' at the bottom of the menu. This opens the Display Properties window.
  3. Click the 'Screen Saver' tab.
  4. Click the 'Power...' button.
  5. Where it says 'Turn off monitor:' select how much time you want before the monitor shuts itself off. NOTE: If you are using a laptop, you will have two options here. One setting for when the laptop is plugged in and one for when it is running on battery power.
  6. When you are finished, click 'Apply'
  7. Click 'OK'

If you want to watch a movie without the screen saver coming on, here is how to switch to 'Presentation Mode':
  1. Follow steps 1 through 3 above.
  2. Under 'Power schemes' use the pulldown menu to select 'Presentation'.
  3. Click 'Apply'
  4. Click 'OK'
  5. Don't forget to change it back when you are finished watching the movie. Power management preserves the life of your monitor.