Windows 98 SE screensavers

So, I used to adore this one screensaver. It was "Science" and it came with Windows 98SE from what I've come to be able to tell. By default it was a magnified bubble that bounced around the screen but I believe there were settings that allowed you to turn that into a black hole, spiral, etc.
I believe I managed to find it again, on some lost old reddit thread with a bunch of other Windows SE screensavers.

I recall this issue last time I tried it on my old computer but don't remember if I found a fix or not. Basically, when you run the screensaver the 'bubble' bounces around at the speed of mach 5 and when you try to get out of the screensaver everything freezes.

I understand that there is an issue with transparency screensavers. But I'm pretty sure that is a separate problem that would also have to be handled.

But as for the ridiculously fast before crashing, how is that fixable? I know it's a known problem but for some reason this screensaver seems to have disappeared off the internet in most places. Maybe it's cause "Science" is so often included in the names of other screensavers it gets buried, I dunno. But any help would be appreciated.

(Also, alternatively, if there is a program or screensaver that recreates the original one I would be happy with that too.)

Wolf1 year agoWindows 10 x64, Firefox

4 replies

• Was that the same screensaver as the one called Science Fiction? If so, have a look at this previous post on the message board. If not, can you share it here?

  Rob (Screensavers Planet)1 year ago

• Okay, for sure. Just shared it. It wasn't the one in the previous post, this one is just called"Science" and it's a simple screensaver that still shows your screen as the bubble/swirl/blackhole moves around. Hope you guys can figure out how to make it work. It was my favorite screensaver and I swear I saw an explanation and potential work around years ago since this wasn't the only screensaver that has this issue. But can't find it anymore.

  Wolf1 year ago

• Oh I only looked at the top of the thread you linked. Yea looks like you guys ended up talking about the one in question lower down but it doesn't seem to work. I don't know if there has been any new workarounds since then though.

  Wolf1 year ago

• Thanks for sharing. You're right, we discussed that one earlier in that same thread, it's been a while and I forgot about that. I do remember trying lots of different angles to slow it down at the time. I tried a few more just now but the biggest problem is that it keeps crashing after about 5 seconds, slowed down or not.

  I'm a bit out of ideas regarding that one, but will keep it in the back of my mind and post back if I find something. Hopefully you'll do the same if you keep trying :-)

  Sorry I can't be of more help right now.

  Rob (Screensavers Planet)1 year ago

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