3D Windows XP Screen Saver - possible to run in Windows 7 or higher?

This screen saver currently refuses to run in Windows 7 - it just tells me 'This screensaver is designed for Windows XP' and refuses to run. I am able to run other XP/98 screensavers just fine in Windows 7 except for this one - it doesn't seem to be anything other than your run-of-the-mill OpenGL unless it relies on a specific version of DirectX.

Ironically, the screensaver can still be downloaded from Microsoft:

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...DwindowsXP.exe

Video preview:

capture00011 - Streamable

I did not install this in Windows 7, just copied the .SCR file to /SYSTEM32 where all the other screensavers reside. It does show up in the screen saver selection dialogue but refuses to run. Not a big deal, just want to indulge in some nostalgia without having to fire up a VM just to see this screen saver.

Judging from the very specific error message it appears that the screensaver is explicitly checking for XP and will not run on any other OS. This is unusual but it does happen.


Often Windows includes software created by a third party and licensed to Microsoft. One of the terms of the license may have been that it run only on XP. I am only suggesting this as a possibility. There are multiple other explanations

YmodemYNot said:

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Video preview:

capture00011 - Streamable

I viewed this. Not impressed. I, on occasion, will fire up Dreamscene - a superior alternative. It is a background/wallpaper engine that provides you the ability to use any video clips, even from your own personal recordings. I only use a 'screensaver' for it's password protection while away from the machine. AND, there are plenty of 3d/animated screensavers out there that work with 7.

If you're referring to the 3D Flying Objects screensaver, it works fine for me on Windows 7. Not sure why you're getting an error.

It lives!!! This thread that is. Someone figured out a way to patch this screensaver so it works in modern Windows OSes.

Is there a patch for 3D Windows XP.scr Screen Saver to work on new OSes? \
VOGONS

You can either download the patched SCR file or download the original screensaver from Microsoft and patch it yourself with your favorite hex editor.

I would like to remove the "Windows XP" branding at the end when the flying Windows logo goes to the middle.