Avoid Screensaver Interruptions While Watching DVDs on a Computer

That tropical screensaver doesn’t look quite so cool when it pops up midway through Season 3 of Lost. According to CNET editor Rick Broida, this usually happens when there’s more than one user account set up in Windows, and when Fast User Switching is enabled. Here’s how to prevent this:

Turn off Fast User Switching

This makes it possible to switch between users without first shutting down all your programs. If you’re the system’s only user—or if you don’t have multiple accounts set up—turn this option off to instantly eliminate the problem. Open the Windows Control Panel, and then access the User Accounts applet. Click “Change the way users log on or off,” then clear the “Use Fast User Switching” check box.

Tweak the power settings

If you need to keep Fast User Switching enabled, or you’re still having the problem, open the Windows Control Panel, and then access Power Options. Click the Advanced tab, then clear the check box for “Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby.” Go to the next step.

Strong-arm the screensaver

Right-click anywhere on your Windows Desktop, then click Properties in the menu that appears. (You can also click Start > Run, then type desk.cpl.) In the Display Properties window, click the Screen Saver tab, then clear the check box marked “On resume, password protect.”