Magic Jack stops Windows Screensaver from working

[Stryder]

Hey everyone. I've spent hours chatting with Magic Jack staff only to be told finally that, along with some people that lost their contact list with the new upgrade last week, others (like me) also can no longer have a functioning screensaver.

I know it is the Magic Jack because screensaver function returns as soon as I unplug the device. I have also tried it on another computer - both running Windows 7 64-bit - with the same problem.

Just wondering if other people out there are experiencing the same thing; and, more importantly, if anyone found a solution.

[Megamixer56]

I got the upgrade this morning; never have gotten my contacts back. It doesn't interfere with my screensaver running XP SP3.

[hsweiss]

Got the update sometime today/tonight. I noticed that the softphone looked different and the computer would no longer put the monitor into power save mode. I'm running XP XP3. I tried a reboot figuring all ills are solved with an Windoze reboot - but no joy. Still won't go to sleep. I'll try bugging tech support as well so maybe they'll get the feedback that they've done something wrong.

[WiCkEd Co]

Long time lurker first time poster,

I also have the same issue. I used to set my monitor to go to sleep after 10 mins but it no longer works after the update, I unplug MJ and it works fine.

[hsweiss]

I just got off tech support - they elevated my report to a "top 10% rep" after the 1st person asked me to move my MJ to a different USB port.

Bottom line, they are still working out the kinks with this new release and apparently are gathering in the bug reports like this. I would suggest that if you have this problem and didn't before the upgrade, spend a few minutes with tech support to report it - the more they hear about it the quicker it gets fixed (hopefully).

[pbjandfritos]

Got the update sometime today/tonight. I noticed that the softphone looked different and the computer would no longer put the monitor into power save mode. I'm running XP XP3. I tried a reboot figuring all ills are solved with an Windoze reboot - but no joy. Still won't go to sleep. I'll try bugging tech support as well so maybe they'll get the feedback that they've done something wrong.

Hear's a workaround for the screan savor problem. This only works in windows XP.
1. Click Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click power options.
4. Set moniter to never, click apply.
5. Set it to how menny minutes you want the screan to shut off. Click apply.
6. Click OK. Note: You will have to do this every time that you start Magic Jack.
Hope this helps.

Ernie

[murphy]

If you have a Toshiba laptop (and possibly other manufacturers) the XP screen power control is disabled. Screen power is controlled by the Toshiba power saver application located in the control panel.

[hsweiss]

Got the update sometime today/tonight. I noticed that the softphone looked different and the computer would no longer put the monitor into power save mode. I'm running XP XP3. I tried a reboot figuring all ills are solved with an Windoze reboot - but no joy. Still won't go to sleep. I'll try bugging tech support as well so maybe they'll get the feedback that they've done something wrong.

Hear's a workaround for the screan savor problem. This only works in windows XP.
1. Click Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click power options.
4. Set moniter to never, click apply.
5. Set it to how menny minutes you want the screan to shut off. Click apply.
6. Click OK. Note: You will have to do this every time that you start Magic Jack.
Hope this helps.

Ernie

Cool - I'll try this later. I did try re-applying my usual 5 min timeout (which usually works whenever something has a side-affect that blocks the power save mode from kicking in). But I admit that I never tried setting it to never and then to 5 min. I'm hopeful and I'll report back after I try it.

BTW, I read in another post on this forum that folks with Win7 are having the same problem and some think that this was done on purpose in order to ensure that MJ ads are always visible in the softphone. With MJ, its sort of believable! But in my heart I think they just screwed up.

[crackerjack]

Got the update sometime today/tonight. I noticed that the softphone looked different and the computer would no longer put the monitor into power save mode. I'm running XP XP3. I tried a reboot figuring all ills are solved with an Windoze reboot - but no joy. Still won't go to sleep. I'll try bugging tech support as well so maybe they'll get the feedback that they've done something wrong.

Hear's a workaround for the screan savor problem. This only works in windows XP.
1. Click Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click power options.
4. Set moniter to never, click apply.
5. Set it to how menny minutes you want the screan to shut off. Click apply.
6. Click OK. Note: You will have to do this every time that you start Magic Jack.
Hope this helps.

Ernie

this was done on purpose in order to ensure that MJ ads are always visible in the softphone. With MJ, its sort of believable! But in my heart I think they just screwed up.

Trust your gut instincts and get ready for the 3rd party ads "Coming Soon"

[beachrdy]

Windows Vista, 64 bit , Toshiba laptop here. After upgrading, the display stopped shutting down. However, the screen saver works. I never had to use the screen saver in the past.

[hsweiss]

Got the update sometime today/tonight. I noticed that the softphone looked different and the computer would no longer put the monitor into power save mode. I'm running XP XP3. I tried a reboot figuring all ills are solved with an Windoze reboot - but no joy. Still won't go to sleep. I'll try bugging tech support as well so maybe they'll get the feedback that they've done something wrong.

Hear's a workaround for the screan savor problem. This only works in windows XP.
1. Click Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click power options.
4. Set moniter to never, click apply.
5. Set it to how menny minutes you want the screan to shut off. Click apply.
6. Click OK. Note: You will have to do this every time that you start Magic Jack.
Hope this helps.

Ernie

Cool - I'll try this later. I did try re-applying my usual 5 min timeout (which usually works whenever something has a side-affect that blocks the power save mode from kicking in). But I admit that I never tried setting it to never and then to 5 min. I'm hopeful and I'll report back after I try it.

BTW, I read in another post on this forum that folks with Win7 are having the same problem and some think that this was done on purpose in order to ensure that MJ ads are always visible in the softphone. With MJ, its sort of believable! But in my heart I think they just screwed up.

THANKS! Worked like a charm......

[Batem]

Hey everyone. I've spent hours chatting with Magic Jack staff only to be told finally that, along with some people that lost their contact list with the new upgrade last week, others (like me) also can no longer have a functioning screensaver.

I know it is the Magic Jack because screensaver function returns as soon as I unplug the device. I have also tried it on another computer - both running Windows 7 64-bit - with the same problem.

Just wondering if other people out there are experiencing the same thing; and, more importantly, if anyone found a solution.

I am running Windows7 64 bit too and I have the same problem.I decided to stop all services and the screensaver was working again,so I tried what I thought the problem was and the MajicJack was the only thing to take an update.Sure enough,after turning the MJ back on no screensaver.So far I have found nothing to work around this but I will continue to search for an answer.

[Geelo]

Hey everyone. I've spent hours chatting with Magic Jack staff only to be told finally that, along with some people that lost their contact list with the new upgrade last week, others (like me) also can no longer have a functioning screensaver.

I know it is the Magic Jack because screensaver function returns as soon as I unplug the device. I have also tried it on another computer - both running Windows 7 64-bit - with the same problem.

Just wondering if other people out there are experiencing the same thing; and, more importantly, if anyone found a solution.

Thanks Stryder for posting.. I found this thread on Google.. so I signed up here on the site. I am a new member.

I also have a Windows 7 64bit workstation that Magic Jack is installed on, and I noticed yesterday after the update, that the screen saver would not come on. It's like Magic Jack keeps throwing out data and Windows thinks that the computer is in use and does not engage the screen saver.

Magic Jack has a responsibility on following the "software release cycle" on software "INCLUDING" firmware, no matter if the operating system is 32 or 64 bit. They should not be rushing out new releases with out testing the software / firmware on both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. Please give me the number that you called, so I can talk to the happy Magic Jack level / tier 1 help desk.

Thank You.
_________________

[nekoguts]

MJ installed its update and now my PC will not go into standby mode, Screen saver still works. This update that MJ did is not ECO, my PC use to be warm to the touch, now it is hotter than hell. Support said that MJ will not work in standby mode, but that is BS. MJ had work in standby mode since January when I first installed it, never a problem with MJ untill now. Now since there defective driver update my PC, it runs at full power mode, this device is now NON-ECO friendly and my PC has turn into a hotplate. THANKS MJ!

[Msradell]

I am running Windows7 64 bit too and I have the same problem.I decided to stop all services and the screensaver was working again,so I tried what I thought the problem was and the MajicJack was the only thing to take an update.Sure enough,after turning the MJ back on no screensaver.So far I have found nothing to work around this but I will continue to search for an answer.

Same thing here.

[lychy]

This has never worked for me.
Neither have the power save options (like sleep or turning of hard disks.
The options are enabled, but they do not engage because magicjack prohibits them from engaging.
I don't particularly mind, though. It does this to make sure everything works properly I suppose (ie. loss of power from something being shut off)
For $20 a year I am very satisfied!

[Msradell]

It may work for you but I personally do not want to leave things running 24/7 nor do I want my screen to burn in. If it doesn't get fixed I will end up changing services.

[Batem]

It may work for you but I personally do not want to leave things running 24/7 nor do I want my screen to burn in. If it doesn't get fixed I will end up changing services.

I hear ya.This sucks having to shut the monitor off everytime.Majicjack really stuck it to us on this update.
And on my computer today when MJ fired it said my service is about to expire....lol.I will think long and hard about that one before I renew.The $19.95 would be a steep price to pay if I burn out my HD monitor.

[Geelo]

This has never worked for me.
Neither have the power save options (like sleep or turning of hard disks.
The options are enabled, but they do not engage because magicjack prohibits them from engaging.
I don't particularly mind, though. It does this to make sure everything works properly I suppose (ie. loss of power from something being shut off)
For $20 a year I am very satisfied!

Power Management issues are usually because of ACPI in the computers BIOS, also there could be some hardware components that are causing issues. Using power management features are really smart. One it saves energy, two it can cut down on the amount of heat. 3 it saves wear and tear on the computer itself, rather then physically powering the computer off and back on again (including the monitor.)

The main issue here is that Magic Jack users that were able to start there screen savers and /or have their computer go into sleep or hibernation cannot not because of the last Magic Jack update. Magic Jack keeps sending out "data" and Windows thinks "someone" is at the computer, and the screen saver / power management does not engaged. I even spent the time trying to write a .VBS script that manually turns on the screen saver, and because Magic Jack is sending data like it is, the only workaround for people like me that have Windows 7 32 or 64 bit versions (and some Windows XP users), is to wait until Magic Jack release a new version, or "rolls back" to the older version.

I read a lot of people who posts about "I pay $20.00 a year and am satisfied" - Well I also am not bothered by the "overloaded" VOiP pipe that Magic Jack uses (no QOS), for $20.00 a year, I can let that slide.. However, what I am not happy with, is when a company does not adhere to basic IT principals like the software release cycle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_r ... life_cycle.

When your product affects your customers computers, that's a really big issue... a issue that Magic Jack / Ymax needs to address with a update this week if not sooner. Period.

[bradleypj]

Here is my chat this morning with MagicJack tech. At the end, be advised that I did not end the chat session, but rather 'Chris' (Sudeep? Sanjay?) actually did.




Chat InformationPlease wait for a site operator to respond.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Glaiza'

Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK4360633799X

Glaiza: Hello, how may I help you?

Jeffrey Bradley: I received the upgrade for my MagicJack, and now my screensaver will not turn on

Jeffrey Bradley: if I close MagicJack, it works

Jeffrey Bradley: same settings

Glaiza: Thank you for the information.

Glaiza: May i know when did this problem started?

Jeffrey Bradley: yesterday when I received the upgrade

Glaiza: Thank you for the information.

Glaiza: Did you try to unplug the device and chekc if the screensaver will work?

Jeffrey Bradley: yes the screensaver will work

Jeffrey Bradley: or if I go to Task Manager and stop the process

Glaiza: Thanks.

Glaiza: One moment please...

Glaiza: I am transferring you to one of our top 10% agents as rated by our customers. Please hold while I transfer you.

Chat InformationPlease wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Chris'

Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK4360633799X

Chris: Welcome to Higher Level of Support. This is Chris. I will be assisting you today. Thank you!

Jeffrey Bradley: ok

Jeffrey Bradley: I received the upgrade yesterday, and now my screensaver will not turn on

Jeffrey Bradley: if I unplug MJ or stop the process it will work fine

Chris: Yes. Before, once the magicJack is plug in, it will not allow your computer to be on sleep mode and Hibernate mode. Now, with the updated software, it will deactivate also your Screen saver. To make sure that your computer is active.

Jeffrey Bradley: you are kidding right?

Chris: No . I am not.

Chris: Is the magicJack currently plug in to your computer?

Jeffrey Bradley: yes it is

Chris: While it is plug in, please try to set your screen saver again. We will check.

Jeffrey Bradley: screensaver is set for 1 minute

Chris: make sure that you Uncheck the On Resume, password protect

Jeffrey Bradley: it is unchecked, not working

Jeffrey Bradley: this is not going to make people happy, including me

Jeffrey Bradley: this means my monitor will not turn off unless I manually turn it off

Jeffrey Bradley: I understand why you did part of it, but not to totally disable screensaver

Chris: That is because the software of the magicJack will no longer allow your computer to go on Screen Saver. Yes, you will have to manually turn off your computer, this time, Jeffrey. We need to make sure that your computer is always active in order for you to be able to make / receive calls.

Chris: I have not heard from you in a while. Do you wish to continue this chat session?

Jeffrey Bradley: I am here

Jeffrey Bradley: debating canceling

Chris: Okay.

Jeffrey Bradley: you cannot disable my screensaver

Jeffrey Bradley: power settings I can understand

Jeffrey Bradley: but to save electricity I should be able to have my monitor turn off, understand?

Jeffrey Bradley: this LCD puts out a lot of heat, and what about burn in?

Jeffrey Bradley: you should take this to your tech people, not a good response

Chris: If you want your computer to show the Screen saver, you will have to unplug the magicJack, jeffrey.

Chris: However, I can take note of this and let our Technical Group about this. We are always open on all comments and suggestions that comes from all our valued customers like you, Jeffrey.

Jeffrey Bradley: that is the dumbest thing to tell people

Jeffrey Bradley: all you have to do is allow the screensave to activate

Jeffrey Bradley: not to disable it

Jeffrey Bradley: you are trying to prevent computers from sleep/hibernate

Jeffrey Bradley: that I get but you do not have to disable the screensave

Jeffrey Bradley: anyway, you cannot do anything about it

Jeffrey Bradley: who do I talk to about canceling?

Chris: Please be informed that magicJack software is being installed on your computer. Therefore, in order for the magicjack software to work, your computer must be active. That is why, your computer will not go to Sleep or Hibernate mode

Jeffrey Bradley: Sir, my screensaver activating does NOT put it to sleep or hibernate

Chris: Yes, I am aware of that. Before, only sleep and hibernate mode are disabled, but now it includes the screen saver

Jeffrey Bradley: that will be a major mistake...you are going to lose a lot of customers, trust me

Chat InformationChat session has ended.

[bitstopjoe]

What works for me is to go into the power settings, click never, apply then ok. Back into power set it to 5 min ( or whatever you want) apply then ok. It works fine until you reboot. At least for me XP SP3.

Joe Sica

[bradleypj]

Yeah, does not work on my Win7 64bit system. I wish it did.

[bitstopjoe]

Yeah, does not work on my Win7 64bit system. I wish it did.

LUCKY YOU update my ass huh? really sucks..

Joe Sica

[HTRon]

Yeah, does not work on my Win7 64bit system. I wish it did.

I'm having the same issue on vista home premium. I tried changing the sleep time, but I don't think I tried "never" and then back, so I'll try that too...but I'm not holding my breath!

Hope they realize this is a bug and issue a fix...does anyone know how to "rollback" to a previous version?

[bradleypj]

I don't think you can rollback, unless you block the update(auto) feature. When you reboot or launch, it will update it.

[LindySD]

So glad I found this site. I've been going nuts since the update. I keep MJ on all day but don't want my screen on all day. My screen picks up the screensaver, but doesn't turn completely black. Sort of like when your tv is on and cable is off (soft white light background). Nervous this is harmful to the computer. Confused on settings. I have always set turn off display and put computer asleep through Power Options. When this update was installed, my screensaver was changed to reflect Vista. Now I'm not sure if the Power Options and Personalization choices conflict. Hate it when they fix something that doesn't need fixing!

[Texbrit]

So glad I found this forum/thread. Started having the issues of my screensaver not kicking in, backgrounds not changing, and monitor not going into sleep mode, after the "forced" Magicjack update. Have unpluged the MagicJack and everything is back to normal.

No more magicjack for me until they fix this issue.

[HTRon]

for those of you who got the monitor sleep to start working again by unplugging the magicjack, did you also ctrl-alt-del and kill the magicjack process? or was just unplugging it good enough?

I killed the process and didn't unplug, just wondering if the reverse would also work...

[Texbrit]

for those of you who got the monitor sleep to start working again by unplugging the magicjack, did you also ctrl-alt-del and kill the magicjack process? or was just unplugging it good enough?

I killed the process and didn't unplug, just wondering if the reverse would also work...

I just shut down the pc, unplugged the MagicJack and started up again, and all is good.

[lychy]

This has never worked for me.
Neither have the power save options (like sleep or turning of hard disks.
The options are enabled, but they do not engage because magicjack prohibits them from engaging.
I don't particularly mind, though. It does this to make sure everything works properly I suppose (ie. loss of power from something being shut off)
For $20 a year I am very satisfied!

Power Management issues are usually because of ACPI in the computers BIOS, also there could be some hardware components that are causing issues. Using power management features are really smart. One it saves energy, two it can cut down on the amount of heat. 3 it saves wear and tear on the computer itself, rather then physically powering the computer off and back on again (including the monitor.)

The main issue here is that Magic Jack users that were able to start there screen savers and /or have their computer go into sleep or hibernation cannot not because of the last Magic Jack update. Magic Jack keeps sending out "data" and Windows thinks "someone" is at the computer, and the screen saver / power management does not engaged. I even spent the time trying to write a .VBS script that manually turns on the screen saver, and because Magic Jack is sending data like it is, the only workaround for people like me that have Windows 7 32 or 64 bit versions (and some Windows XP users), is to wait until Magic Jack release a new version, or "rolls back" to the older version.

I read a lot of people who posts about "I pay $20.00 a year and am satisfied" - Well I also am not bothered by the "overloaded" VOiP pipe that Magic Jack uses (no QOS), for $20.00 a year, I can let that slide.. However, what I am not happy with, is when a company does not adhere to basic IT principals like the software release cycle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_r ... life_cycle.

When your product affects your customers computers, that's a really big issue... a issue that Magic Jack / Ymax needs to address with a update this week if not sooner. Period.

I have all the power save options enabled, but they have never worked with my magicjack, even before the upgrade.

My monitor is the only thing that goes to sleep.

[jmfolcik]

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An operator will be with you shortly. repeat x8

You are now chatting with 'Fiona'

Your Issue ID for this chat is xxxxx

Fiona: Hello, how may I help you?

Josh Folcik: hi, first off i love mymagic jack, i just have one question

Fiona: Alight.

Fiona: May I know what is it?

Josh Folcik: i am used to having my monitor go into power save mode, and i leave my computer on all the time. is there a registry change I can put in the talk4free registry place to make it not modify my power savings settings?

Josh Folcik: the latest update disables monitor power save (I think it was done to disable sleep/hibernate for those people who weren't sharp enough to know that needs to be done)

Fiona: I apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

Fiona: Yes, it was because of the upgrade Josh since magicJack won't work if your computer is on sleep or stand by mode.

Josh Folcik: right, is there a tweak i can do in the registry to disable this since I already have sleep/hibernate not enabled, I just prefer to have my monitor go off when not in use

Josh Folcik: so it doesn't burn out, the computer itself is always on

Fiona: I apologize but unfortunately we do not have an update yet regarding this matter. I understand, but We are also waiting for more updates from our engineers.

Josh Folcik: ok, well please take this as feedback, i will await some future option

Fiona: You may chat us back here for updates. We are here ready to assist you 24/7.

Josh Folcik: ok, thanks

Josh Folcik: bye

Fiona: You are most welcome.

Fiona: I appreciate your patience.

Fiona: Thank you for stopping by to chat, I hope I did a good job at addressing your concerns. Please take a second to answer a one question survey about the service I provided. Please click the "close" button on the top right of this screen and the survey will appear. Thanks again!

[Geelo]

I chatted with Magic Jack this morning.. I'm not going to post the whole chat session, but the level 2 help desk tech admitted to me that the last update there was a "glitch" and that is why the screen saver is not engaging. I told the held desk tech that, again, if his company for following the software release cycle, they would of found this bug.

The other comments about that Magic Jack reps says that Magic Jack disables the screen saver on purpose are not true, the Magic Jack techs are just lying, plain and simple.


The only fix for this, is for Magic Jack to either "roll back" to their previous version, which would be very easy for them to do, or produce a fix for this past update.

[tsmith]

Logically, I would roll back for now and beta test the heck out of the "new and improved MJ" before releasing it again. Silly me.

[QQQQ]

This upgrade mimics mouse movements thereby preventing screen displays, screensavers, and other auto. functions to not work.

Simplest temp. solution until they fix the bug = r. click on desktop and go to Personalization; click Screensaver; click Change power settings; click Choose what the power button does, set to SLEEP. (When finished using computer, simply push the computer's power button and all will be saved and the MJ will cont. to work).

[QQQQ]

OK... I was fooled...... Dial tone present and dialing tone present when in "Sleep Mode", but cannot connect!

[satoru]

I'm running MagicJack on a Windows 7 Starter and I installed the latest update because I had to reboot for a Windows Update patch. The new MagicJack is now exhibiting the issues outlined, where the screensaver and screen blanking do not work. Removing MagicJack fixes the problem.

However do not fret. I have found a utility that allows us laptop/netbook users to disable the screen!

http://www.dekisoft.com/download.htm

Get the "Monitor Off Utility" and create a hotkey for turning off your monitor. Set the timer to 0 so it doesn't show that silly countdown. This will turn off the monitor and allow you to keep running MagicJack. If you move the mouse your monitor will turn back on. Woot!

If you prefer to use a screensaver, then just create a shortcut to the .scr file of your preferred screensaver. Double click it or create a keyboard shortcut from the shortcut. Your screensaver will launch and again mouse or keyboard movements will re-enable the desktop.

Regrettably these solutions require manual intervention every time you want to blank the screen, or use a screensaver. But I think we can agree this is better than having nothing at all.

Hopefully people will find these workarounds useful.

[Geelo]

I have my screen saver working again I wrote a .VBS script that manually turns on the screen saver, and I have Task Scheduler in Windows 7 run the script every 5 minutes. It works ! This uses the "bubbles" screen saver.. I have not looked at the other screen savers names, but they all should be in C:\Windows\System32.

Make a folder on your C:\ drive, called ScreenSaverScript, open the folder.
Right click in the folder make a new .txt files, call it ScreenSaver.txt
Copy and Paste the below code into the text file, and save it:

Code: Select all

REM ScreenSaver script - [email protected]. 
OPTION EXPLICIT 
dim fso, ws, file_to_open, OFFICE_PATH 

Set ws = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell") 
 
OFFICE_PATH = "C:\Windows\System32\" 

ws.Run CHR(34)& OFFICE_PATH & "\Bubbles.scr" & CHR(34) & file_to_open, 0, "FALSE"

Then rename ScreenSaver.txt to ScreenSaver.VBS

After that, go to start menu, and in the "Search Programs and files" field type in Task Scheduler, click on Task Scheduler icon.

Make sure that all the fields are the same as below:








Magic..

[Msradell]

Thanks Satoru

As you said it's not perfect but it appears to be the best option we have at the present time. Hopefully a solution won't be too far off.

[LostinSpaceman]

Here's a suggestion. When you're done using the computer. Turn off the monitor! It's not like it has to reboot for Pete's sake!

[satoru]

Here's a suggestion. When you're done using the computer. Turn off the monitor! It's not like it has to reboot for Pete's sake!

Unfortunately some of us run MagicJack on laptops/netbooks where that's not an option.

[satoru]

I have my screen saver working again I wrote a .VBS script that manually turns on the screen saver, and I have Task Scheduler in Windows 7 run the script every 5 minutes. It works ! This uses the "bubbles" screen saver.. I have not looked at the other screen savers names, but they all should be in C:\Windows\System32.

Make a folder on your C:\ drive, called ScreenSaverScript, open the folder.
Right click in the folder make a new .txt files, call it ScreenSaver.txt
Copy and Paste the below code into the text file, and save it:

Code: Select all

REM ScreenSaver script - [email protected]. 
OPTION EXPLICIT 
dim fso, ws, file_to_open, OFFICE_PATH 

Set ws = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell") 
 
OFFICE_PATH = "C:\Windows\System32" 

ws.Run CHR(34)& OFFICE_PATH & "\Bubbles.scr" & CHR(34) & file_to_open, 0, "FALSE"

Then rename ScreenSaver.txt to ScreenSaver.VBS

After that, go to start menu, and in the "Search Programs and files" field type in Task Scheduler, click on Task Scheduler icon.

Make sure that all the fields are the same as below:

Magic..

The only downside I see of this is that it will always initiate the screensaver every 5 minutes. Obviously if you're actually using the computer/laptop/netbook this might get annoying Though I'm not much of a coder you might be able to reuse this code in order to detect any keyboard/mouse activity for that x minutes. If you do exit the script, otherwise initiate the screensaver.

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=493696

[Msradell]

Here's a suggestion. When you're done using the computer. Turn off the monitor! It's not like it has to reboot for Pete's sake!

Unfortunately some of us run MagicJack on laptops/netbooks where that's not an option.

+1

[Mercurygrand]

I have spent hours trying to figure this out. I use 7, 64bit HP laptop. Never had a problem til I got the MJ upgrade. I also spent about an hour talking with tech support. But they never admitted it was their upgrade that caused the problem. Fifty minute wait and ten minutes of BS. I almost started to uninstall Microsoft updates.
I use Magic Jack for my biz and home number. Yes I am a crazy cheap SOB. Iam on the five year plan. My fix was installing the MJ on a older Vista 32 bit notebook computer. In this bad economy the MJ was a godsend for my family. Now Iam afraid this is the beginning of the end of MJ.

[sabresfan]

I'm running MagicJack on a Windows 7 Starter and I installed the latest update because I had to reboot for a Windows Update patch. The new MagicJack is now exhibiting the issues outlined, where the screensaver and screen blanking do not work. Removing MagicJack fixes the problem.

However do not fret. I have found a utility that allows us laptop/netbook users to disable the screen!

http://www.dekisoft.com/download.htm

Get the "Monitor Off Utility" and create a hotkey for turning off your monitor. Set the timer to 0 so it doesn't show that silly countdown. This will turn off the monitor and allow you to keep running MagicJack. If you move the mouse your monitor will turn back on. Woot!

If you prefer to use a screensaver, then just create a shortcut to the .scr file of your preferred screensaver. Double click it or create a keyboard shortcut from the shortcut. Your screensaver will launch and again mouse or keyboard movements will re-enable the desktop.

Regrettably these solutions require manual intervention every time you want to blank the screen, or use a screensaver. But I think we can agree this is better than having nothing at all.

Hopefully people will find these workarounds useful.

Nice find it turns my monitor off now and it enables the screen saver again. It has an ajustable timer if your computer is idle to do either.

[kalrith]

MJ is installed on my HTPC that's connected to my plasma TV. Let's just say I'm not too pleased about a static screen being left on my plasma indefinitely unless I turn off Magic Jack. MJ also seemed to disable the HDMI audio from my video card. After unplugging MJ from the USB port and rebooting, that problem went away as well.

I'm going to try to fiddle with the screen saver script and see if I can get it to work better for me. I don't want to have to disable the screen saver every 5 minutes while I'm watching a TV show, but I also don't want burn-in on my plasma.

My solution right now is to use MJ as a voicemail system and leave it unplugged from the computer. If they (or we) don't fix this, then I'm probably going to jump ship.

Is anyone here using MJ as a service? I used to do that, but it stopped working for me, so I quit. I'm wondering if the screen saver works while running it as a service, and if that's even possible with the new update.

[fredsout]

I spent two hours with tech? support last weekend. They told me I was the 1st and only with this problem. I'm running Windows 7. They actually told me to unplug the magicjack if screen saver worked without it being plugged in. I told them that would be great if I didn't need to use my freakin" phone. I've also contacted Microsoft and they say the problem is with magicjack. I tried a system restore to the old software, but it automatically downloads the latest piece of you know what. Microsoft has promised to look into it.... While posting this, my computer just shut down. Something else that randomly occurs with this new upgrade. I wonder if it is making the computer run hotter. Hopefully, the magicjack tech support in India can reach the microsoft tech support in India to find a remedy besides unplugging the magicjack or shutting off the monitor... two ideas of which I really had to speak to someone in India to figure out.

[JCHolcomb]

I haven't been able to get through to tech support yet. I hope it is because they are being inundated with calls about this screwup, and we will get our screensaver/power management functionality back again. I certainly hope someone in the company is reading this forum, "unofficial" or not. It should give them an idea that this is not an isolated incident. I am seeing numerous complaints about it on Microsoft forums too. This is clearly a Magic Jack issue and they should take care of it. When Magic Jack starts up, it asks you to "Tell your friends..." Somehow I don't think telling them that Magic Jack will disable your screen savers and power management will get them many new customers. All the work-arounds I am seeing mentioned are OK temporarily, but are, after all, only bandaids, and should not be considered long term solutions. I predict this will cost Magic Jack a lot of business if they don't fix it soon. A pity, because I was a big Magic Jack supporter before this, and had always recommended them.

[Gomer]

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You are now chatting with 'Vincent'

Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK4360781174X

Vincent: Hello, how may I help you?

David: Hi, my monitor no longer shuts off/sleeps after the recent MagicJack upgrade that was sent to my computer. The only way power management will function is to remove the MagicJack device. Will your developers release a patch to fix this issue or can you provide me your previous software? Thanks

Vincent: Hi

Vincent: Please wait while I check that for you

David: Thanks

David: are you still there?

David: It's been several minutes and I know this issue is widespread of the internet and not news to you so I'm confused why you're taking so long to get back to me.

David: I need to say I've praised your product from day one but this recent change to MagicJack changes everything. MagicJack is no longer a practical device and now unusable. It now destroys monitors and wastes a significant amount of electricity. Not sure what your designers were thinking when they designed this recent release or why it was pushed and not offered to download. It's bad and I doubt your company will survive this mistake unless you fix it ASAP. Please notify me once you have addressed this issue. Thanks

Vincent: I am looking into this. It may take a while. Please bear with me.

Vincent: I am transferring you to one of our top 10% agents as rated by our customers. Please hold while I transfer you.

David: Thanks

Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

You are now chatting with 'Jewel'

Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK4360781174X

Jewel: Hello David. My name is Jewel. To better assist you, let me put you on hold while I read your previous chat/s. Thank you.

Jewel: Thank you for waiting.

Jewel: So, your monitor no longer shuts off/sleeps after the upgrade right?

Jewel: Are we still connected David?

David: yes

David: Hello

David: this is correct

Jewel: Okay.

Jewel: Let me explain this to you.

Jewel: Ideally, the power saving options/sleep mode of your system should be disabled when the device is plugged in. We have purposely designed our updated software that way because when a system goes into power save/sleep mode, most likely its USB ports and internet capabilities are limited which is a requirement for our device to function correctly.

David: That doesn't make sence since it destroys monitors and wastes electricity

David: your device worked perfectly prior to the upgrade - why mess with perfection??

Jewel: There have been instances wherein customers missed important calls thinking the device is enabled while on power save. We want to prevent that from happening to you, which is why we disabled the power saving options of the system while the device is plugged in. If the device is unplugged, your power options will kick back in. Of course any calls that comes while the device is unplugged will go to your voicemail or to the number you have set up to forward it to.

David: it now doesn't work...I'd put a few bucks on a general survey coming back that says your users prefer keeping their monitors and saving electricity vs whatever your current design does

David: how about providing the customer the ability to choose what functionality they prefer??

David: or give me the ability to revert back to the working software version?

David: here's what will happen with your current design...there will be a wide bad mouthing of MagicJack and your company will go under. Not sure what the economy looks like but I'd suggest you get your resume up to date

David: I'd suggest you do a quick search on the web - you'll see there's wide disapproval regarding this current release...it'd really help if you would acknowledge this right away so I can use your product again

David: so is there a way I can get the previous software uploaded to my MJ?

Jewel: There is no way to get back the old magicJack software.

David: sweet!

David: will you address this issue?

Jewel: Yes, I can address this issue to them.

David: Thanks! When will it be FIXED?

Jewel: I already explained to you above David.

David: but it's flawed - why would I want to trash my monitor to use your app?

David: I have a laptop and no way to turn off my monitor manually

David: I think I've made my point clear - I don't envy your job. I'm sure this issue with your software will get news media attention.

David: I hope some of this is registering...thanks for listening

Jewel: You're welcome David.

Jewel: Thanks for being patient with me, I truly appreciate it.

David: now for the mass exidus to Skype or Vonage - I'd suggest you buy some stock in those companys

Jewel: Have a good one.

Chat session has been terminated by the site operator.

[premudriy]

People, count me in as one more frustrated MagicJack user. I have an old laptop dedicated to run MJ. I've had it to turn off screen after 1 minute in power settings. Now it's always on ...hate the last update. I hope this will get sorted out soon. This "anti-feature" is completely illogical and annoying.

[yung]

I just spent a long time in a chat box with a customer service person named Malik. S/he gave me the same story about Magicjack disabling my power management settings to facilitate use of my MJ. I didn't know Steve Jobs took over Magicjack, and is now dictating my hardware and software settings.

I asked him/her to refund the remainder of my subscription, and s/he refused because it had been "consumed".

I am going out today to buy an Ooma. I'm tired of messing with MJ, with all of its limitations and issues. I don't need it for traveling anymore, because I can use Google voice to dial out now, and I sure don't want my HP Touchsmart's screen to remain on 24/7 due to either MJ's incompetence or arbitrary decisions to mess with my computer.