Stand-by Mode

[Virtual Imager]

I want to run a continuous slideshow on my laptop PC using ACDSee that will last several hours. Problem is, if I don't move the cursor every so often, the machine goes into standby and the show stops. My screensaver comes on and when I do move the cursor I'm back at the account logon screen.

 

It would be very difficult for me to periodically move the cursor as only the monitor portion of the laptop will be visible. The monitor will be framed and the frame will hide the keyboard blocking access to it.

 

Is there a setting that will keep it from going into standby mode? Where would I find it?

 

Thanks, guys.

 

Randy

[TCH-Thomas]

I dont know what these are called in english so dont laugh , but in XP´s control panel go to "Desktop" and "disable screensaver" and in "Energy alternatives" set all options for desktop and harddrives to "Never".

 

I think there is some extra setting you need to do for laptops but not sure.

Edited November 21, 2004 by TCH-Thomas

[Samrc]

You didn't mention which OS your machine has.

 

Access the screensaver by right clicking the desktop, choosing PROPERTIES and SCREENSAVER. Change your options to none to not have the screensaver kick in at all.

 

Also, check your CONTROL PANEL for a POWER OPTIONS choice.

You can set when the monitor turns off, and when or if your machine goes into standby. (on some machines you get to Control Panel from Start then Settings and others the Control panel is directly on the Start menu)

 

-Samantha

[Virtual Imager]

Thank you both!!!!

 

I set it to NEVER turn off the monitor or hard disk and NEVER go into standby or hibernation when the machine is plugged in as it will be when I run the slideshows. that should do it right? I also set the screensaver to NONE, but I'm wondering: is that really necessary? Seems like the screensaver wouldn't come on with all the other options set to NEVER. I'd like to keep a screensave set for when I'm running on batteries and the machine reverts back to going into standby, but if I can't it's ok. It's more impoortant that theses slideshows run continuously when I need them to....

 

Found a shortcut: after rightclicking the desktop and choosing the screensaver tab, you can access the power options right from there and you don't have to go to the start menu or the control panel.

 

At least that is the case with Windows XP 5.1

[TCH-Thomas]

I dont know about the screen saver when running a acdsee slide show, just that in my case the screen saver has started even if all of power things are set to never.

 

As for laptops power, is there a possibility to plug a power cable in to it instead of using batteries?

[Virtual Imager]

Yeah... I do use the cable. I think what Samantha and I are calling power options is what you called energy alternatives.

 

But that's good to know about your screensaver starting even with all the other stuff set to NEVER. That answers my question and I'll keep my screensaver off too.

 

Thanks my friend!

 

VI

[Samrc]

Yes, Screensaver options are different than power options. They run independently.

 

You can set your screen saver to kick in after a minute up to 60 minutes of inactivity on some versions of windows and on others you can go much longer before kicking in. Just set your wait time in the screensaver page.

 

BY THE WAY.... in XP you can set the SCREENSAVER to create a slideshow of a folder of your own choosing. You do not need ACDSee to do that if your intent is to just have rotating images when your machine is inactive. Set the screensaver to My Picture Slideshow, click settings and use the BROWSE button to choose which folder will rotate images. Also you can set the speed of the rotation.

 

Note that with some software installation, you should turn OFF your screensaver before installing. I have had a screensaver interfere with an installation and had to reinstall later.

 

-Samantha