Computer Is Unable to Go to Standby Mode

When your computer has been inactive long enough for it to go to Standby mode, it may not go to Standby mode. Also, you may receive a message that says your computer will standby in 15 seconds, but your computer may not go to Standby mode.

This problem may occur if one of the following Windows 98 screen savers is currently the active screen saver:

• 3D Flower Box
• 3D Flying Objects
• 3D Maze
• 3D Text
• Channel Screen Saver

To work around this problem, use any of the following methods:

Use a Different Screen Saver

Configure your computer to use a screen saver that is not on the list of screen savers listed earlier in this article. For information about how to do so, click Start, click Help, click the Index tab, type screen, double-click Screen Savers, and then double-click the "To set up a screen saver" topic.

Reduce the Complexity of the 3D Screen Saver

If you want to try to continue using a screen saver that is on the list of screen savers listed earlier in this article, you can try reducing the complexity of the screen saver. To do so, use the following steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display.
2. Click the Screen Saver tab, and then click Settings under Screen Saver. Settings that may be changed to reduce the complexity of the screen saver vary with different screen savers, but may include the following:
   
   
   • Resolution
   • Size
   • Complexity
   • Speed
   • Surface Style
   • Smooth Shading
   • Full Screen
   • Maze Overlay
   • Image Quality
   • Textures
   Disable, or slow the speed of, one or more of these settings. For example, if a setting has a slider that varies from Minimum to Maximum, try setting it to Minimum, or click to clear a setting's check box to totally disable it, or change a setting from High to Low. After you alter a setting, click OK to apply the change.
3. Test to determine if the issue is resolved. If it is not, you may need to repeat steps 1-3, disabling more settings until the screen saver becomes usable. Note that you may perform all of these steps, but the screen saver may remain unusable, and you may need to choose another.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 98.

This problem only applies to computers that support Advanced Power Management (APM) or the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification. For more information about ACPI, see the following Microsoft Web site: Note that this problem may also occur with None selected as the screen saver.