What follows is a short guide to download and install the Google Pack Screensaver without downloading any of the other software in Google Pack or the even the Google Updater software. The Google screensaver will be installed without the Google Logo.
The Google Screensaver is probably the best piece of software in the entire Google Pack. The screensaver displays a slideshow of your digital pictures full screen or as a collage. The collage effect gives an impression as if someone is dumping Polaroid images on your desktop over time. Google screensaver works even on dual monitor screens.
Though the screensaver installer is only a few kilobytes, you need to download the entire Google updater application from pack.google.com to install the Google Screensaver.
If that is too much work for you, here is a quick tip to download a standalong google screensaver and as a bonus, this modified screensaver doesn't display the Google logo on the top right corner.Download this standalone Google Screensaver scr here and save the file to your Windows folder (generally, C:\Windows in XP and C:\WinNT in Windows 2000).
The Google screensaver is now installed on your computer. To configure your screensaver and set it as the default screensaver on your system, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select "Properties" from the menu that appears
2. Select the "Screen Saver" tab from the "Display Properties" dialog
3. From the "Screen saver" drop-down, select "Google Pack Screensaver" then click the "Settings" button
4. From the settings window, you can select the transition, timing, and selection of photos in your screensaver.
Picasa screensaver also lets you display a slideshow of your photos when your computer is idle but that requires you to download the ~4MB picasa installer from Google.
Google Photos Screensaver
Find this article at: http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/01/install-google-screensaver-without.html
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Just a quick note...the Google Pack "says" it only works on WinXP, according to their webpage. This mod has a side benefit, it allows W2K (Windows 2000 with all current SP) to drop it into the C:\WINNT folder and enjoy.
Thanks... Nice job.
Written on 9/1/06 9:06 PM
I have been using this for a bit and realized it doesn't seem to do multi-level folders such as:
/photos/family/kid1
It will look in /photos and /photos/family, even providing a nice selectable checkbox for toggling on/off.
Anyone else notice this? Can more hacking produce a "smarter" scr file?
Written on 10/1/06 3:55 AM
Nice idea, but doesn't seem to work on multiple monitors (?)
Written on 10/1/06 2:51 AM
Any way to increase the photo change time? Even 10 seconds seems a bit fast to me and I thought I remembered Google's running out to at least 30. Excellent work though, I'm using it for a future DIY XP and WiFi based picture frame. I don't like the way the XP screensaver handles portrait orientation.
Written on 10/1/06 5:09 AM
Is it just me or does the collage effect look nothing like poloroids being dumped on your desktop over time? When I use it, I get a black screen and the photos are "dumped" with a solid white border on the black, with a maximum of 8 or so pictures on screen at a time.
Written on 10/1/06 4:48 AM
will this work in win98?
Written on 10/1/06 10:48 AM
Great tutorial!
Written on 10/1/06 8:07 PM
the links do not work anymore... if anyone could send it to me plz email me @ wikid24@hotmail.com
-thanks
Written on 29/1/06 9:59 PM
i can't get it to work either. could someone send me the file at brianpillion@gmail.com?
Written on 16/7/06 12:00 AM
I am using the Google Pack Screensaver
(from the above download .scr link)
Using Win98se - It does work, however, the 'collage'
visual effect is the only one that works. And, the
change picture time remains at 2.0 seconds.
But otherwise, no problems.
Did I do something wrong?
Thanks.
Written on 17/7/06 12:28 AM
I don't trust to dowwload a .scr file from RapidShare...
Written on 19/7/06 9:22 AM
im with anon here
when u download it it doesnt actually give u nething - it gives u a link to the rapid share website. Now i gotta run virus scanner - thanks alot rapid share - LOSERS!
Written on 23/8/06 9:07 AM
This worked great... THANK YOU. I really like like this screen saver. I just wish it was a little more random on the photo choices. It seems to go through an entire directory one at a time. I'd like complete randomness on my entire 'My Pictures' directory.
Written on 29/12/06 2:30 AM
There is easyest way to install Google Screensaver:
1. Go to Google Pack page;
2. Slick to add "Optional Software";
3. Click on "Select:" | "None";
4. Select just "Google Pack Screensaver"
5. Click on "Download..."
Start downloaded file, and wait to complete...
njoy ;)
p0z
Written on 11/1/07 8:27 AM
Hi Amit, The file is not available at rapidshare now.
Can u upload it again. :)
Written on 8/1/07 1:12 PM
Google just released an update of the screensaver, wich can now display pictures from RSS feeds.
Any idea on how to remove the logo?
Written on 2/4/07 2:15 PM
I've just downloaded the Google screensaver "upgrade" there's only one snag - instead of behaving like every other screen saver in the world and disappearing when you move the mouse or hitting any key, it requires you to hit any key.. Why?
Written on 17/4/07 4:41 PM
the link work correctly and thanks, this worked great
Written on 27/4/07 5:12 PM
Ohooo worked fine...thanks alot... big brother google isn't watching now :D
Written on 15/10/07 11:41 PM