Hi!

I'm running BOINC version 7.2.42(x86)on Windows XP SP3.

When BOINC screensaver loads after the specified computer inactivity time, the screensaver starts and runs for about a second with whatever task is scheduled to run, then the screen goes black, and BOINC announces that it is reloading. This sequence repeats over and over.

While this was happening, I was watching the task progress, and the task was crunching data while this was happening with the screensaver. I don't really have any new programs running that might be causing this. I've been participating in BOINC projects for years, and this is a new problem.

Any thoughts?? JRM

BOINC will happily run project applications without requiring a screen saver. Many of the projects don't even have a screen saver as they don't have the finances to make an OpenGL screen saver.

So it isn't required to run the BOINC screen saver to do science.
That said, the screen saver has had problems since 7.2.39. The developers are aware of the problem and are trying to fix it. Thus far, in none of the version released since, they managed to fix it.

Which leaves you with options:
1. Don't run the screen saver. Or run a Windows screen save, if you must run a screen saver.
2. Uninstall 7.2.42 and reinstall 7.2.33, as that version doesn't have the problem.

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I have the same problem on my Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit versions) and my windows XP machines. The screen saver flashes on, saying 'BOINC is loading', the flashes back to the taskbar an back to the screen saver again.
My windows 7 machines are not entering power saving mode any more.
I just did a clean installation on one of my windows XP machines. That did not fix this flashing screensaver.

My BOINC version in all cases is: 7.2.42 (x86 or x64 depending on the system).
wxWidgets version is: 2.8.10.
I never installed the VirtualBox as I'm not participating in the four projects using it.
CPU and GPU usage are both set at 50%.
My (Dutch) windows versions are all running on the latest available (hot)fixes and servicepacks.

I'm using BOINC since last century (when it was called SETI@home) and never experienced this problem. Maybe there has been some windows security-fix recently? Although that won't match the different windows versions I'm using.
The strange thing is I'm running this BOINC version since approximately mid-March. I can't seem to recall I had this flashing problem after I first installed it. With BOINC version 7.2.33 I did not have this problem tough...

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Just an 'old' BOINC user...

Thanks for the info guys! I'm surprised that BOINC has not mentioned this ongoing problem (and apologized for it!) I think I may just revert to v 7.2.33!

John (I kind of like those screen savers with SETI, Einstein and Rosetta.)

Just one problem -- where can I find v 7.2.33 for download?? The BOINC Download site jumps from 7.0.64 (April 2013) to 7.2.42 (Feb 28, 2014). From what you were saying, anything from 7.2.39 on has problems. (Isn't that what Beta testing is supposed to resolve??)

Maybe I'll just go back to 7.0.64....

John

All the previous versions can be found here: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/dl/

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My Detailed BOINC Stats

Many thanks for the link. I now have 7.2.33 running the screensaver beautifully!

John

Many thanks for the link. I now have 7.2.33 running the screensaver beautifully!

John

Same for me!

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Just an 'old' BOINC user...

This is my situation precisely. Visualisations work fine with "Show Graphics" from the BOINC Manager, but not via the stuttering screensaver. Downloading the suggested backdate now, thanks! :D

I notice there are about a dozen higher versions for Windoze x64 in that folder; up to 7.4.2 (dated 18 June)

Wossat about? Just betas or something? The main page has only offered 7.2.42 since at least 12 April when I first downloaded BOINC for this new PC.

In light of these newer versions which might've fixed the screensaver shenanigans, I trust the advice to downgrade is still valid? :o)

ps. Is the moderator able to amend this thread's title to "BOINC screensaver loads, runs momentarily, then reloads." Our BOINC (ie. the Manager) runs just fine. This discussion didn't appear in a search for "screensaver" and it was only a fluke that I stumbled in here at all by methodically scrolling down the lists. :o)

I notice there are about a dozen higher versions for Windoze x64 in that folder; up to 7.4.2 (dated 18 June)

Those are alpha and beta updates, the present recommended is still 7.2.42
Someplace this summer we expect that a 7.4 will become the new recommended, but when that is and which version depends on the bugs associated with it.

I just tested with 7.4.2 with the screensaver on and found that it no longer does the rapid switches between the initialization screen and the screen saver, so it appears that that's fixed.

I changed the thread title.

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Go to the settings and tell it not to use any project screensavers. I had the same issue after starting the World Community Grid project, and their screensaver kept reloading. After telling it to not use project screensavers, it worked fine.