Old person needs help with display

georgeann · 30 Oct 2010

I’ll come right out and admit I am 79 years old which certainly has an effect on the trouble I am having seeing the display on my new computer. I recently purchased an Asus computer with the Intel i5 processor running the 64 bit Windows 7. I kept my Dell 20 inch Ultrasharp digital flat panel. I use Corel Draw X4, WordPerfect X5, IE 8, Power Desk 8 Pro, Photoshop 7, and Quicken 2010. On all of these applications (including this page), the toolbars are very narrow with small icons. And the text on most drop down menus is very tiny and faint.

I have set the text size to 150%, but it has no effect on the toolbars. I have adjusted everything that can be adjusted in the Windows Color and Appearance settings. I have tried decreasing the monitor resolution, but that means some panes are so large the radio buttons are off the screen and can’t be used.

I don’t understand why I didn’t have trouble with the screen display on the same monitor I was using with XP. It would make my life so much easier if someone can help.

whs · 30 Oct 2010

I understand your problem because my eyesight is very weak too. If you have exhausted all the Windows settings, you may have a driver problem. Have a look at the Dell site whether they have a specific /7 driver for your monitor.

georgeann · 30 Oct 2010

I searched for an updated driver, but the $2004 I paid Dell 5 years ago is worth zip today and there have no driver updates for Windows 7.

whs · 30 Oct 2010

Did you see a Vista driver - that may work too. There is a definite problem, especially with the Win7 64bit system. Drivers for older devices are scarce.

Jacee · 30 Oct 2010

Have you tried the 'custom DPI setting'? DPI Display Size Settings - Change

boohbah · 30 Oct 2010

Hi georgeann one very easy and quick solution is to use windows magnifier when you need to see a dropdown etc.
to activate the magnifier press the windows key and the + key at the same time this will activate the magnifier window and you can set the magnification size you want perhaps 200%

whs · 30 Oct 2010

Jacee said:

Have you tried the 'custom DPI setting'? DPI Display Size Settings - Change

He said he set it to 150%.

boohbah · 30 Oct 2010

Click the image below twice to enlarge!

Old person needs help with display-2010-10-30_2329.png

whs · 30 Oct 2010

boohbah said:

Click the image below twice to enlarge!

The magnifier is a nice facility but it is a pain to use in daily life. I am not looking forward to the day when I will need it - like I often need a lens now to read small print.

Jacee · 30 Oct 2010

When you say 'toolbar' and icons are very small, do you mean the taskbar? If so, do this:

Resize the taskbar

You can resize the taskbar to create additional space for buttons and toolbars.

Go to the Windows website to watch the video. (0:55)

<LI class=step>Right-click an empty area on the taskbar. If Lock the taskbar has a check mark next to it, the taskbar is locked. Unlock it by clicking Lock the taskbar, which removes the check mark.
Point to the edge of the taskbar until the pointer changes into a double-headed arrow** , and then drag the border to make the taskbar the size you want.

Old person needs help with display

Old person needs help with display

The monitor is 5 years old - Dell won't support