How to get graphics / the screen saver on a service install?

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When using BOINC as a service install, by default you will not have any graphics or the screen saver of the project. This can be worked around though.

  • Start->Run.
  • type services.msc and click OK.
  • In the newly opened services window, located BOINC, right click on it, properties.
  • Stop the service from running, by clicking Stop.
  • Go to the Log On tab.
  • Choose the option Log On as Local system account.
  • Check the option underneath that, Allow service to interact with the desktop.
  • Click Apply.
  • Go to the General tab.
  • Start the service.
  • Exit the services window.

Although this workaround will work for BOINC 4.45 to 5.10.45, it won't work on Windows Vista.

For BOINC 6 it will work differently, for now. If a project uses BOINC 6 compliant applications, the graphics / screen saver application is a separate application. These will work under the normal BOINC account. The graphics of application of the time before BOINC 6 work only in Simple View and only with the above work around.


Original writer Original FAQ Date
Jorden 310 17-Apr-2008