HT204379: Mac Basics: Display a screen saver when you're not using your Mac

Learn about Mac Basics: Display a screen saver when you're not using your Mac
BarrieM
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My screensaver wont change from its default setting??

My screensaver wont change from its default setting despite me changing it multiple times. Ive restarted the machine, but doesnt help, any suggestions???

I have the brand new basic Mac Mini Quad Core i7, Mac OS 10.8

It goes to a password protected blank screen screensaver after 5 minutes or so.

Ive changed it in the screensaver in preferences to origami after 1hour, and its registered as such, but after 5 minutes it goes to blank screen screensaver again.

This is infuriating as I am trying to batch convert many MP4 files and when it screensaver it stops everything.

 

PLEASE HELP, ITS DRIVING ME NUTS.

Mac mini, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1), This is a real problem for me.

Posted on Feb 23, 2013 12:49 AM

by BarrieM,Solvedanswer
BarrieM BarrieM
Level 1 (0 points)
A:

Hi guys,

 

FYI I found my problem.

 

Even though I had changed the screensaver, what I didnt realise the Energy Saver in System Preferences was set by default from factory for 5 minutes and turned off screen and harddisks and password protected it, it wasnt the screensaver after all.

 

Thanks for your help guys.

 

Barrie

Posted on Feb 23, 2013 7:29 PM

Close
BarrieM

Q: My screensaver wont change from its default setting??

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Tom in London,

    Tom in London Tom in London Feb 23, 2013 2:52 AM in response to BarrieM
    Level 4 (1,626 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 23, 2013 2:52 AM in response to BarrieM

    Hard to say what might be the cause of this. For me, the screensaver has never worked correctly in Mountain Lion so I'm hoping someone will get round to fixing it.

     

    As a stopgap, I suggest you install caffeine (it's free) which is a neat little trick that prevents your screen saver from starting up and your computer from sleeping. All you need to do is click on a coffee cup icon in your menubar, to start it or stop it.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Feb 23, 2013 9:24 AM in response to BarrieM
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Feb 23, 2013 9:24 AM in response to BarrieM

    Triple-click the line below to select it:

    ~/Library/Preferences/ByHost

    Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select

    Services ▹ Open

    from the contextual menu. A folder window should open. Inside the folder is a file with a name of the form

    com.apple.screensaver.*.plist

    where "*" stands for a long string of letters, numbers, and dashes. Select that file and open the Info dialog.

    Does the dialog show "You can read and write" in the Sharing & Permissions section?

    In the General section, is the box labeled Locked checked?
    What is the Modified date?

  • by BarrieM,Solvedanswer

    BarrieM BarrieM Feb 23, 2013 7:29 PM in response to BarrieM
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 23, 2013 7:29 PM in response to BarrieM

    Hi guys,

     

    FYI I found my problem.

     

    Even though I had changed the screensaver, what I didnt realise the Energy Saver in System Preferences was set by default from factory for 5 minutes and turned off screen and harddisks and password protected it, it wasnt the screensaver after all.

     

    Thanks for your help guys.

     

    Barrie