Cut-off windows

I've been having this problem for quite some time now, and it's really starting to bug me.

Look at this screenshot

You see how that Epson print properties window is chopped off at the right and bottom? Normally, one would just enlarge the window by pulling the left and bottom borders out. No can do. It won't let me. The window size is fixed, and the information underneath is bigger than the window. There's no way to get at it.

This only happens on certain windows. I've also noticed it during software installations. What is going on here, and how can I fix it? Or, if you don't know, what's a good messageboard to ask this question?

Other info:

I use a dual monitor set-up. I turned it off just to see if it would make any difference but, alas, no. The primary monitor is a ViewSonic A70, set at 1024 x 768 resolution. I tried playing with the resolution...It doesn't make any difference.

I tried changing font sizes. I tried changing background to Windows default. Nothing. The problem occurs with that printing screen, with some installation screens, and some other windows I can't remember. Any ideas what the problem could be?

 

Fixed link.

edit note: links on this forum do not require quote marks around the url piece so it would have worked with none or worked with two (as you have here). Also, you can edit your own posts for a period of time after you originally post them. I fixed the top one as well so it works as does this one. - Newt

 

Can you drag the window to a larger size that shows everything? If so, do that and then close it by holding down the ctrl key and clicking on the X which should force your PC to remember the size to use for that window.

 

No, it won't allow me to resize. It's just cut-off like that. That's the problem.
The window is not stretchable at all, like other windows. If I point the mouse cursor over the edges, it does not turn into the arrows. The window appears to be fixed in size.

 

96 dpi, and no, changing the resolution to 800 x 600 doesn't help matters, either.

 

Have you tried removing and then doing a new install of the software? Also check for updates since your original install.

 

Try changing the DPI settings in Control Panel>Display>Settings>Advanced to something different than it is now. Play around with those settings (choosing "Custom" in the drop-down will give you the option to type in various percentages if the presets don't do much) to see if you can ever get it to display that window normally.

If you do hit a setting that gets it to display all the text, go back and change the DPI settings to what you prefer. I have not a clue why it works, I only know that I've seen it work.

 

Well, this problem occurs a lot on installation screens. For example, while installing Adobe products, I've noticed that the "Terms of Use" screen is chopped off just like that Epson screen. I can't read through it, I can't scroll through it, and I can't get to the "I Agree" button to continue the installaion. Luckily, I could hit "Tab" and get to it (even though I still can't see it.)

So reinstalling the programs I've had the problem on will not have any effect, as the problem can occur on the installation screen itself.

 

Looks to me like you have older drivers. That property page doesnt look to be XP ready. Have you tried updating to the latest print drivers from windowsupdate or the manufactures website?

 

Perhaps. But this is an example of just one instance in which the cut-off windows occur. Like I said, it also appears on installation screens. Specifically, when I was installing Adobe Premiere 7.0, the user agreement screens were cut-off like this. And it occurs with some other programs, although right now I can't remember which ones. If I find another one, I will post.

Once again, it's not just the Epson print driver that does this.

 

If you already tried Miz's advice, and it didn't work, it's time to do an sfc.

Start > Run > cmd
sfc /scannow
You will need your XP cd.

sfc - system file checker, retrieves the correct version of the file from %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache or the Windows installation source files, and then replaces the incorrect file.

If you want to see what was replaced, right click My Computer > manage, expand event viewer > system.

System File Checker (sfc)
Scans and verifies the versions of all protected system files after you restart your computer.

Johanna