icon and type size

[tigerlelly]

I've recently purchased a new computer. I still have Windows XP but the icons on the desktop and tool bar and the typeface of windows itself (not my fonts) are much smaller than before. Even my Freecell game is smaller and kindof stretched out even when I maximise it. I've tried right clicking on start and selecting 'large' for icon size but it's already set at large. Help please as my partner is diabetic and it's all so small that he can't use windows at the moment. Thanks.

[vehelpfulguy]

It is all to do with your screen resolution.

The Windows display is measured in pixels (very small dots), a number of pixels wide and a number of pixels high, 800 x 600 for example.

Obviosuly the MORE pixels that are shown the SMALLER each item will be on the screen.

To see what resolution you are currently on RIGHT click anywhere on the desktop, and chose Properties, then on the window choose the Settings tab.

You will see a Screen Resolution area showing what your current pixel setting is.

On a modern PC it may be 1024 x 768 or even 1280 x 1024. Write down your current seting in case you want to go back to it.

Now change the setting so it is LOWER (smaller numbers), so if it is currently 1024 x 768 make it 800 x 600 and press OK.

If you are happy with that leave it as it is, if not play around with the settings until you are happy with it.

There tends to be standard settings, which are

640 x 480 (bigger icons and windows)

800 x 600

1024 x 768

1280 x 1024 (smaller icons and windows)

[vehelpfulguy]

One extra thing, you say it is a new computer and you say your Freecell window is streched, that makes me think your monitor may be a widescreen one.

Some new computers have a WIDESCREEN display, and on these the numbers I quoted above may be slightly different.

But the principle still applies, change the settings so the numbers are smaller.

[tigerlelly]

You are a genius! Problem resolved immediately - thanks so much.