Convert an Executable File Into a Screensaver

This will give you a brief introduction on how-to create a screensaver from an existing application.

Steps

  1. Open the Folder containing the file that you wish to convert, using Windows Explorer.
  2. In Explorer, if you cannot see the extension of the file (for example, "program.exe"; the extension is after the final decimal: "exe", this is sometimes hidden, usually by default), follow these steps:

    • Click 'Tools', then 'Folder Options' in the Menu near the window's title.
    • Click the 'View' tab in the new window that appeared.
    • You may not need to scroll down, but if you do not see "Hide extensions for known file types" in the list underneath the "Advanced Settings" label then you'll need to scroll to find it, once you do see it, uncheck it.
    • Click "OK" (or "Apply" then close the window)
  3. "Highlight" (or "Select") the file you wish to convert (usually by single-clicking it), or alternatively just right-click it.
  4. If you right-clicked the File; select "Rename" in the popup menu that appears, if you only selected the file, press F2 (read the next step before doing this step).
  5. Change the extension from .exe to .scr.
  6. Right-click the File and select: "Install".

Tips

  • When constructing a screensaver in your ideal programming language, be sure to verify that the screensaver has no frames, is at max scale, is always-on-top (plenty of documentation on how to do this around the web, check http://www.pscode.com), and prepare functions in a loop or event to allow re-use of the screen once the user is done previewing the screensaver or has become un-idle.
  • Generally interaction with the computer will not cause the custom screensaver to close; these events need to be set-up yourself, perhaps using the MouseMove / KeyPress events provided in some IDEs, or check for interaction in the main loop.
  • The command operator "/S" is passed to the application when you select "Configure" in the menu context.
  • The command operator "/s" is passed when the screensaver is previewed (requested to 'start' in fullscreen).
  • The command operator "/p #" is passed when the screensaver is selected in the "Display Properties". The numeric symbol represents the window handle in which the "Display Context" should be set to as a "mini-preview" for the screensaver (a.k.a the hWnd for the parent window).
  • The command operator "/c:#" is passed when the "settings" button is selected in the Display Properties. Set your application to read only the first two characters of the command string to work-around any problems with this.
  • If available, create a debug switch for use in IDE that will allow you to change/view certain aspects of the screensaver while developing it, without having to worry about certain features/functions from getting in the way of development and to help analyze certain situations.
  • If you're using a screensaver as a general slide-show, consider studying Microsoft DirectX for transitions between multimedia.
  • Note: 'Command operator(s)' can also be referred to as 'Command switch(es)' and/or 'Command argument(s)'.

Things You'll Need

  • A basic+ understanding of the Microsoft Windows OS.

Related Articles

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Convert_an_Executable_File_Into_a_Screensaver&oldid=322060"