Power options controll resetting itself

I have windows xp sp2 home edition desktop and have never had any trouble
with my power options control, but recently I have to reset it every 5
minutes or so. I have it set to always on and never turn off monitor, but
in about 5 minutes I look and turn off monitor is set for 20 minutes and
sometimes the power schemes name is even different. I have tried setting
my options and naming the power schemes always on custom, then clicked apply.
Hoping maybe this scheme would stay the same, that didn't work either. I
think it started after the last batch of Microsoft downloads at the end of
December but am not sure about that. Does any one know of anything that I
can do to fix this? I am not new but not very experienced in computing
either. Any help would be appreciated, as this is most frustrating and
driving me nuts trying to figure out how to correct it. Thank you.
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dixiegal

"dixiegal" <dixiegal RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> I have windows xp sp2 home edition desktop and have never had any trouble
> with my power options control, but recently I have to reset it every 5
> minutes or so.

This is usually caused by third-party power saving software. You may find
the culprit under "Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs" or when using
"Start > Run: MSCONFIG.EXE". Since you've lost apparently any control of
your installed software, you may want to scan your system for malware as
well.

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d-d