Gadgets and desktop size keep getting messed up, help!

[mrthreeplates]

Hi All,

Recently I've run into a problem that I can't seem to fix and would appreciate any advice. I don't know what triggered it, but Windows seems to think my desktop is smaller (width-wise) than it actually is.

I have a Dell 6400 laptop, with an ATI radeon x1200 graphics card, and I'm running Windows 7 with Aero. The native resolution is 1680 x 1050. For some reason, Windows thinks my desktop size is something less (perhaps 1300 x 1050 or thereabouts). All of my desktop gadgets get moved to left, leaving 200 pixels or so unusable. If I try to maximize a windows, it won't use that far right region.

I figured this was a graphics driver problem, so I uninstalled (then reinstalled) the ATI driver. This seemed to fix it for a while. Then (usually after a resume from hibernation), the problem reappears.

I've tried googling around, but I don't know what exactly to search for.

The maddening thing is that Windows 7 has been working great on my laptop for weeks when this suddenly showed up.

The only clue that I have is that the problem seemed to show up after I accidentally hit the Windows-P button. I also had been playing with the magnifier a bit. Afterwards, I noticed this problem.

Note that the screen resolution is correct (1680 x 1050). I can change the resolution, but that seem to have no effect.

Any hints or suggestions on how I can get rid of this problem greatly appreciated...

I've attached a snapshot of the upper right section of my desktop. Note that the gadgets are all pushed left.

George

 

[richc46]

Right click on screen and refresh. If does not work:
Remove Gadgets and then install again:

Try adjusting the DPI, as shown in our Tutorial

 

[mrthreeplates]

Right click on screen and refresh. If does not work:
Remove Gadgets and then install again:

Try adjusting the DPI, as shown in our Tutorial

Note: my DPI settings were at default. I changed them to 125%, logged off. When I logged in again, I could use my full desktop again. I set the dpi back to 100% (repeated the process) and the screen was still good.

However, I forgot to mention that I had previously noticed that by logging off / in the problem seems to go away for a while (without changing anything).

Now that I've tweaked the DPI, I'll report back if the problem reappears (or is now fixed).

Thanks!

George

 

[richc46]

My gut says that if you remove all the gadgets, boot, and then install the gadgets, they will work properly.

 

[A Guy]

You mentioned hitting Windows + P. That allows you to choose a presentation display mode. Press them again, and you will get 4 choices:

Display using the built-in screen only.

Display a duplicate image on the built-in screen and external monitor or projector.

Extend the desktop across both the built-in and external display.

Display only on the external screen.

Choose Display using the built-in screen only. See if that isn't the fix.

A Guy

 

[mrthreeplates]

You mentioned hitting Windows + P. That allows you to choose a presentation display mode. Press them again, and you will get 4 choices:

Display using the built-in screen only.

Display a duplicate image on the built-in screen and external monitor or projector.

Extend the desktop across both the built-in and external display.

Display only on the external screen.

Choose Display using the built-in screen only. See if that isn't the fix.

A Guy

Thanks! However, I tried that early on and it didn't fix it.

FWIW, the problem hasn't reappeared since adjusting the DPI per above. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

George

 

[richc46]

Sounds like a DPI problem to me.

 

[A Guy]

Let's hope it's fixed, good help Rich

A Guy

 

[richc46]

Thanks Guy

I have been in threads with you, and you have had more than your share of good calls.

 

[mrthreeplates]

Seems fixed now, thanks!

Well, it hasn't reoccurred since changing the DPI setting & logging off / in. I'm still scratching my head as to how it got messed up or why changing the DPI fixed it. But I'm much happier now!

Thanks much!!!

George

 

[richc46]

TY for the rep George. I am glad that I was able to help you solve your problem. You are welcome to return often both to learn and to share your own expertise with others.