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When I had Windows XP, I could have names appear on my screensaver images. I now have Windows Vista 32 and cannot find where to check to have the names appear in Screen Savings Setting.

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Short answer: Windows XP’s built‑in “My Pictures Slideshow” did include a “Show file names” option; Vista’s successor (the Photos/My Pictures screensaver) does not expose that checkbox, so there’s no built‑in setting in Vista to overlay filenames on each picture. To reach the screensaver controls in Vista use Desktop → Right‑click → Personalize → Screen Saver (or Control Panel → Appearance and Personalization → Personalization → Screen Saver). (microsoft.fandom.com)

Practical options to get filenames back (ordered from easiest to most hands‑on):

  • Install a replacement screensaver that can show filename/metadata (for example, JPEG Saver supports on‑screen file info and extensive options). (goat1000.com)
  • Build a custom screensaver with IrfanView: its Slideshow dialog can include file‑name/placeholders and can save the slideshow as an EXE or SCR you can install. (irfanview.com)
  • A hack some people use: copy XP’s original screensaver binary (ssmypics.scr) from a trusted XP system into the Windows\System32 (or SysWOW64 on 64‑bit) folder on the newer machine — that restores the old dialog and its “Show file names” option on some installs (reported for later Windows versions). Only do this if you have a trusted source and a full backup. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick how‑to pointers: after installing JPEG Saver, open Screen Saver Settings and pick JPEG Saver, then open its Settings to enable the on‑screen filename/metadata item. To use IrfanView, open File → Slideshow, enable the “Display text” option (use the filename token), then Save Slideshow as EXE/SCR and place it in the system screensaver folder. (irfanview.com)

Note: is correct that Vista does not offer the old per‑image filename checkbox; ’s steps point to the right place to find screensaver settings but Vista’s Photos saver simply lacks that UX option. When using third‑party savers or copied .scr files, download from the original project pages and scan installers — avoid unknown mirror sites.

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Member Avatar for cguan_77

hi KL2U, you mean the option "3D Text" which you can put any text as a screen saver or the "My Pictures Slide Show" in which you just put your pictures on the my picture folder and system will use that as a screen saver..

well if this is what you mean..just right click on a empty space on your desktop then choose properties it will bring up the display properties then choose the screen saver tab to customize your screen saver..

Member Avatar for KL2U

When I had Windows XP, I could have names appear on my screensaver images. I now have Windows Vista 32 and cannot find where to check to have the names appear in Screen Savings Setting.

I do not mean the 3D option. XP allowed names to appear on the screensaver for each image. Someone else told me now that Vista no longer has that option - SAD.

Member Avatar for KL2U

hi KL2U, you mean the option "3D Text" which you can put any text as a screen saver or the "My Pictures Slide Show" in which you just put your pictures on the my picture folder and system will use that as a screen saver..

well if this is what you mean..just right click on a empty space on your desktop then choose properties it will bring up the display properties then choose the screen saver tab to customize your screen saver..

I do not mean the 3D option. XP allowed names to appear on the screensaver for each image. Someone else told me now that Vista no longer has that option - SAD!
- Ed (KL2U)

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