Windows 3.1 Screen Savers May Be Disabled by AutoSave

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.0a, 4.0, 5.0, 5.0a, 5.0c

SYMPTOMS

The Microsoft Windows 3.1 screen savers do not work while running Microsoft Excel with the AutoSave option enabled. AutoSave is a macro that comes with Excel that can be loaded as an add-in macro designed to automatically save documents at preset times.

NOTE: This information may also apply to other applications that have AutoSave functionality or clock or timer functionality.

For example, the hDC Alarm Clock that comes with hDC First Apps version 1.0 for Windows also stops the Windows screen savers from operating correctly if the Always Visible option is selected under the Preferences Menu of the hDC Alarm Clock's control menu.

CAUSE

The Excel AutoSave feature prevents the Windows 3.1 screen savers from functioning when Excel is maximized or is the active Window. If Excel is running in an inactive window, AutoSave does not interfere with the screen saver.

MORE INFORMATION

To determine if AutoSave is enabled in Excel, do the following:

1. Run Excel.

2. Open the Options menu. If the AutoSave command appears and is chosen, then it is enabled. If AutoSave does not appear in the menu, or it appears and is not selected, it is disabled.

1. From the Options menu, choose AutoSave.

2. Under Save Frequency, select Never, then choose the OK button.