screen resolution for windows XP

[Toni]

I inserted a dvd into my computer to watch and the computer had trouble
loading it, so i put the dvd into an external cd drive (plug and play) but it
still had problems so i took the dvd out and disconnected the cd rom. Ever
since then the screen resolution has gone haywire! The type on my desktop is
small, blurry and hard to read and photos on my computer are 'liney' like
theres not enough resolution or colour. I did a system restore back to the
previous day but it's still the same. I have also gone into Ctrl panel, and
tried to change the resolution that way but it doesn't help. Some websites
(like this one) have normal type but others have the small blurry type.

Is this a problem with the dvd i tried to play or is my screen cactus?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I inserted a dvd into my computer to watch and the computer had
trouble loading it, so i put the dvd into an external cd drive
(plug and play) but it still had problems so i took the dvd out and
disconnected the cd rom. Ever since then the screen resolution has
gone haywire! The type on my desktop is small, blurry and hard to
read and photos on my computer are 'liney' like theres not enough
resolution or colour. I did a system restore back to the previous
day but it's still the same. I have also gone into Ctrl panel, and
tried to change the resolution that way but it doesn't help. Some
websites (like this one) have normal type but others have the small
blurry type.

Is this a problem with the dvd i tried to play or is my screen
cactus?

- Disconnect all cables and power from your computer.
- Open the computer case.
- Ensure all cable ends and cards are properly seated
(video card especially.)
- Use canned air to blow out any excess dust.
- Close the computer case.
- Connect (firmly) all external cables.
- Power on the machine and logon.

If you have an LCD monitor - ensure your resolution and possibly refresh
rate are set to the 'native resolution' for said monitor.

If you are utilizing Internet Explorer 7 - change your setting for
ClearType:
http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/turn-off-clear-type-in-internet-explorer/
(Use that to turn it off if on, on if off.)

Download and install the latest video card driver for your particular video
card from the manufacturer's web page.

 

[Toni]

Thanks Shenan, the affected computer is a laptop.. will it still help to blow
it out with air? Also where's the best place to look to find out what video
card i have?
Thanks for your help.
Toni

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Thanks Shenan, the affected computer is a laptop.. will it still
help to blow it out with air? Also where's the best place to look
to find out what video card i have?

Well - don't open it up - but blowing out the intake/etc with canned air is
still something you want to do every so often. (You also should not need to
check the connections.)

Close/Minimize everything, right-click on the desktop (not on an icon) and
choose Properties. Settings tab. Advanced button. Adapter tab. Should
tell you the type and information. Most likely Intel, NVidia or ATI.