My screen size shrunk

I'm not sure if this is the right category for this post. Sorry about that. This has to do with software, but also WinXP Home.

I had downloaded a free desktop program that was in my system tray. I right clicked on it to get the menu, so I could reboot my computer. I accidently clicked on another option (having to do with pixels), and immediately my desktop went black and then reappeared with the icons and text totally miniaturized, to the point where I could hardly read any text. Of course it stayed that way in all windows, even after I rebooted. It also shrunk my screen size by 1/2 inch on all sides. It all happened so fast I wasn't sure what I'd done to cause it, or how to undo it.
I finally figured out what it was I'd clicked on, and was able to click on another pixel choice to restore the icons and text to normal. (Thank God!) But I haven't been able to restore my screen size back to normal, to the size of my 19 inch monitor. It's still black by 1/2 inch all around the perimeter. I have no clue how to restore it back to normal size.

The free program was H-Menu. I didn't like it, and wanted it off my computer, so I uninstalled it. It's in my recycle bin. I tried clicking on various options of the program to restore my screen size, none of which worked, before I uninstalled it.

Can anyone help me restore my screen size? There's no point in having a 19 inch monitor, if the whole screen can't be used. Thanks for any help. Val

 

Right-click the open Desktop and choose "Properties." The click the "Settings" tab. Then choose 800X600 or whatever you prefer.

 

I tried what you suggested. It was already set at 800 X 600 pixels. And that's what I restored it to in the H-Menu program, after I discovered what I'd done to ***** things up. That restored the size of the icons and text, but had no effect on the screen size. Any other suggestions that will work?
Thanks for your post, but it isn't solving the problem. Val

 

Try changing the refresh rate. In the display applet click the settings tab, then the advanced button, then the monitor tab. Put a check mark in the box next to the the line that says "hide modes that this monitor cannot display" and then try changing the rate to something other than it's set to now. A higher number will be easier on the eyes but if it's already on the highest one you'll have to try a lower setting. My guess is it'll probably already be on the lowest setting. If this is the case, try a higher one.

 

Sometimes when I have changed resolution the monitor will get out of adjustment. Most monitors have a menu that you can go into and stretch the screen either horizontally or vertically to the full viewing size of the monitor screen. You can also adjust things such as brightness, color shades, pincushion effects, etc. See if your monitor manual gives you any clue how to get into the menu for these settings.

 

With a 19 " monitor, I would want a screen resolution 0f at least 104X768, and a refresh rate of 75 Hz if you can support it.

 

Thanks for these replies

I haven't had a chance to try all of them. I did try what Zander suggested, and my refresh rate is already 85. I'm not sure I understand what the point is of lowering it. I'll try to find my manual to my monitor and see if I can increase the screen size that way, as Royalty suggested. I must admit, I'm fearful and paranoid about messing with my monitor after what happened. It scares me. But yes, I'd like to get it restored to full screen. I just don't want to mess it up. Thanks. Val

 

cat, the prime function of adjusting the Refresh Rate on a monitor is to reduce eyestrain. That's especially important if you will be working under fluorescent lighting, which tends to flicker at the 60 Hz. power line frequency. I would avoid using that same refresh rate on a monitor if possible.

What your monitor will support will depend on what video adapter and resolution setting you have chosen. It is generally a good idea to use the fastest refresh rate that your chosen settings can support. With that, you will always make that setting as the last one you perform. Do not be afraid to mess something up. You must raise the setting until you determine what the limit is. I run at 85 Hz. on my current main system and have no problems. I have noticed on some systems that when I set at that rate, the screen coverage is improper and cannot be adjust out with the controls. That pretty well defines the limit.

If you are sure you are using the correct adapter for your monitor, then by all means try lowering the refresh rate. You won't wreck anything beyond what a simple reversal of the setting won't fix.

If lowering the refresh rate doesn't do the trick, lower the Resolution a notch. Then run through the Refresh Rate settings again.