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XP Icon Spacing disabled

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by krueger1010, 2009/04/05.

  1. 2009/04/05
    krueger1010

    krueger1010 Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have XP Home with all upgrades. I use Win Classic. Recently, my Icon spacing changed.... I don't know why. I have been using RegCure. Maybe something got moved or deleted in the registry. I have been a windows user for many years. I know how to change Icon Spacing. My Font Size window, in "Appearance ", is empty and the "Advanced" button is not enabled. I cannot reset my Icon Spacing. How do I correct this, so I can set my Icon spacing closer again? Desktop is now set at 1680 x 1050 on a 19" LG flat screen.

    I have searched this bbs carefully and have not seen this problem. Thank You!

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3417181302_2fa8b30043.jpg
     
    krueger1010,
    #1
  2. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Welcome to WindowsBBS :)

    I suspect your problem lies in the use of RegCure - a registry program which has a very low reputation and should be avoided.

    If the program made a backup of the changes it made to the Registry restore the changes it made.

    In general terms any registry cleaner should be avioded - they do no good at all and are more likely to do harm. You will see no change in performance as a result of 'cleaning' the registry. There are specific instances in which they are useful - e.g. in searching out the entries left after a program has been uninstalled where those entries prevent the program from being re-installed.

    The best advice anyone can give you is leave the registry well alone.

    If you must use a registry tool use on with a good reputation sucj as jv16PowerTools.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2009/04/06
    krueger1010

    krueger1010 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you for the reply. I am curious about you statement about the RegCure not being a good thing to use [i.e. - cleaning the registry], when almost every time I go on a Windows service site, it seems that Microsoft themselves are pushing "RegCure" either openly or as a hidden link to speed up your machine. If they are bad, shouldn't Microsoft avoid them like the plague?

    I still do not know how to correct my problem.... the photo link I included shows the "Appearance" tab in "Display Properties" - Everything is DEAD! What next - anybody? Reinstall Windows XP? Will a reinstall loose all my files etc. or just replace the missing stuff in the registry?

    I have a mirror drive [same size as my "C" drive] called "F:\" made with "Norton Ghost VPro Counsel" that I can use to make it all right again, but it would take me back 3 months, which I would like to avoid because of changes and additions I have made, which I would loose! Somebody out there knows what to do, I hope I hear something!

    Best Regards,

    tlk
     
    krueger1010,
    #3
  5. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I would like to see evidence that MS are pushing RegCure. RegCure is one of those slightly bogus pieces of software which finds 100's of problems in the registry and will only 'fix' them if the software is paid for. Such programs are not to be trusted, all the company want's is your money and if you then seek a refund that's rather wishful thinking.

    There are complaints about RegCure all over the Internet, an example here ....

    http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/regcure-c4155.html
    If that is your experience I would suspect malware.

    Are you perhaps confusing RegCure with MS's OneCare?

    There are tried and trusted freeware cleaners available, but my initial comments about the use of such cleaners stand.

    To address your problem I suggest you first run System File Checker .....

    Start > Run > type in sfc /scannow > Enter - notr the space before the forward slash. You will more than likely be asked for your XP (Full, not Recovery) CD.

    If you make a Repair install of Windows you should not lose any data, but you should always maintain a current backup of all personal data on an external device.

    A repair install requires an installation CD of the same service pack level as the OS on the computer.

    If you do not have an install CD at the same SP level the solution is to slipstream the 'missing' service pack into your XP CD ......

    Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 3 and Create Bootable CD

    Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Create Bootable CD

    Clearly if you make a clean install of Windows the drive is formatted and all data wiped out.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2009/04/06
    krueger1010

    krueger1010 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you for all the help. I tried the sfc /scannow. It did ask for the XP home, but the one I have is a copy. I do still have the license sticker on the side of my case. The **** makers of all my PC's in the past have always used an OEM installation, but never give the customer a copy. I would have to go back to them..... they would ask me to unplug all 20 cables and drag my box into their shop [a big pain in my mind] - - - so, probably Ghosting my Locked out removable "F:\" drive back to the "C:\" drive would be the best bet at this point [I have done it before] - if I decide that the icon spacing is issue worth it. I thought it would be a simpler quicker fix - but nothing is simple with Microsoft! Thanks again! tlk
     
    krueger1010,
    #5
  7. 2009/04/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    System Restore may be an alternative?
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2009/04/06
    krueger1010

    krueger1010 Inactive Thread Starter

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    _______________________________________________________________

    Tried that already..... no change! Thanks!
     
    krueger1010,
    #7
  9. 2009/04/06
    jpChris

    jpChris Inactive

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    Hi krueger1010,

    Have you tried updating your Video Card and Monitor drivers? Or, switching the Windows and Buttons to Windows XP Style to see if that makes any difference?
     
    jpChris,
    #8

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