IDEA: Screensaver that does *nothing* except run a .bat file

[SAE140]

I can only find one similar thread on this forum ....

The uses of an .scr to run a series of automated tasks are pretty obvious I think.  Surely there must be something already out there ?
If not - any takers ?

Colin

[mouser]

it's a great question.. i know there is one for doing this stuff and a bit more.. but i can't remember the name/link.  someone else will for sure though.

[PhilKC]

Windows task schedular (Start->Run    tasks) can be set to run anything when the computer has been idle x number of minutes... I know it's not exactly what you want... But similar...

PhilKC

[jgpaiva]

It's curious.. This is already the third time someone asks for this.

Here's the links:
https://www.donation...dex.php?topic=3039.0
https://www.donation...dex.php?topic=3149.0

(maybe people keep asking because it's not really solved.)

SAE140: would you like to just have a bunch o stuff running when the screensaver starts and keep running, or would you like to have them running only while the screensaver is active?

[mouser]

from the second link, repeating it here since it's hard to find:


Screen Launcher
http://www.bartdart.com/

Screen Launcher lets you choose any program to run as a screensaver. You could start a Powerpoint, a movie or any EXE or associated file. To install, simply unzip, right-click and click Install on the context menu. You can then use Screen Launcher just like any other screensaver. To open files such as Powerpoint presentations, you must execute the powerpoint program and type the path to your ppt as a parameter. An example for displaying an image would be c:\winnt\system32\mspaint.exe c:\picture.bmp. Download today to take advantage of any media as a screensaver.

xCAT - Program Saver v1.10
http://www.xcat-indu...info.php?software=31

This program enables you to run any program if you are not using you computer. Compare it to an screensaver, that only runs when are not using your computer asswell, as soon as your computer is idle for a certain time this program will start a program you specify.

[SAE140]

SAE140: would you like to just have a bunch o stuff running when the screensaver starts and keep running, or would you like to have them running only while the screensaver is active?

-jgpaiva (June 10, 2006, 01:26 PM)

Hi - sorry about delay in replying - have been dipping my toes in the sea.

The latter - running stuff like incremental back-ups, virus checks and so on when the computer would otherwise be just sitting there doing nothing except eating electrons ...  Stuff that I really should run more often - but don't ...   
I'd also like to run an on-screen clock called Rolex.com which dates back to WIN3.1 days - but can't find a way to run it automatically as a kosher screensaver.

The problem is - I'm running WIN95b (have later OS's - but really don't want to change):  WSTask (Windows task scheduler) is somehow implicated in a security loop-hole, so this has been removed; Screen Launcher is for WIN98 upwards; and xCat's Program Saver (which would appear to be exactly what I'm looking for) won't run under WIN95 - I've just tried !

Thanks for your help thus far ....

Colin

[jgpaiva]

Making what I first mentioned in my post is easy, having a screensaver just run something, and then quit. But I can't make it close the apps it launched.

On the other hand, if you'd like it to make virus-checks and incremental updates, i belive most antivirus and backup programs have option to schedule their activites that way.

[skrommel]

Try this one! I haven't tested it in Windows 95, but AutoHotkey supports it, so...

RunSaver - Screensaver that runs a command.

Features:
- None what so ever!

Installation:
Just like any other screensaver, just place it in your Windows-folder, and install and configure it through the Screensaver settings in the Control panel.

You'll find the downloads and more info at 1 Hour Software by Skrommel.

Very basic, it's really just Run,<your command> saved as an .ahk-file, compiled and renamed to .scr.

Skrommel

[brucewagner]

Help please....

I just installed RunSaver....

I want it to launch uTorrent "as my screensaver"...

When I am in Display Properties....  clicking on "Preview" DOES launch uTorrent...

However, when my system is idle...  the screensaver does not seem to launch anything at all...

(Also, NOT EVERY TIME, but occasionally, when I click on Preview, it says something about the process is already running... and replacing an older version with this newer version...  and to see #instance in the help file...?  What help file?)

[AbteriX]

Help please....
...
it says something about the process is already running...
and replacing an older version with this newer version... 
and to see #instance in the help file...?  What help file?)

-brucewagner (August 19, 2007, 03:57 PM)

Hi brucewagner,
* RunSaver is an AutoHotkey script.
* #SingleInstance Determines whether a script is allowed to run again when it is already running.
* What help file?  ==> AutoHotkey help
* What to do? Modify the script code and add "#SingleInstance force"  or open the TaskManager and end the "RunSaver" process your self

.