The Microsoft Video Screensaver should work on all versions of Windows XP and includes one video from Microsoft. You can choose to use one or more of the videos located on your computer instead. You do this by pointing to a folder that contains at least one video.

The video screensaver seems to support more than just wmv files. I was able to successfully load avi videos for instance.

If more than one video is found they will be played in sequential order with the option to randomize playback order if you like. It takes a few seconds to load larger video files but small ones play instantly. Microsoft Video Screensaver offers two more options. One is to play the video in full screen mode and the other is to mute the sound.

The download requires a check if the operating system is a genuine one. An alternate download location would be from Softpedia. This one seems to ship without the default video from Microsoft and does not check the validation during download. I’m not sure if checks are made during installation as well.

The Video Screensaver offers some parameters that you can modify. You can define the playback size (Fullscreen or 50% – 400%), play a random file, loop the file, mute the audio and alter playback speed (from 0.1 to 3.0). You may use playlists or select a file manually. Most file types are supported, the most common ones are of course avi, mp3 and wmv  – the tool basically supports all file types that the windows media player is able to play.

It seems to have some problems playing certain files that have been using a special codec for their audio playback.