Screen saver not starting

[Platypus]

Does anyone have a handy checklist of things to look for when the Windows Screensaver doesn't start?

Last weekend I went to install security updates etc on a pretty standard P4/Gigabyte/XP Home system I put together a couple of months ago for friends (they only have dial-up). The screensaver will preview but not kick in.

Settings appear normal to me, I checked registry settings suggested on Kellys Korner, the mouse cursor isn't fluttering, although it is a MS wireless keyb/mouse combo, I'll try standard units this weekend to eliminate that.

[Nix]

Something must still be running in the background that is prevent the SS from starting.

[Platypus]

The problem is the MS wireless keyboard/mouse, as per here:

http://www.mistered.us/wwwboard/messages/13271.shtml

I wasn't there long enough tonight to chase background processes, but a standard kb/mouse lets screensaver work normally.

According to Google searches, various people are having trouble getting MS wireless kb/mouse combos to work properly with XP...