Screen is stretched...

[Computer_Commando]

I tried to install drivers from NVIDIA.  This was the message:  NVIDIA Installer cannot continue.  This graphics driver could not find compatible graphics hardware.  ...

Is this the one you downloaded & tried to install?
GeForce R304 Driver
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp-307.74-whql-driver.html

GeForce 6 series:
6800 XT, 6800 XE, 6800 Ultra, 6800 Series GPU, 6800 LE, 6800 GT, 6800 GS/XT, 6800 GS, 6800, 6700 XL, 6610 XL, 6600 VE, 6600 LE, 6600 GT, 6600, 6500, 6250, 6200 TurboCache, 6200SE TurboCache, 6200 LE, 6200 A-LE, 6200, 6150SE nForce 430, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6150 LE, 6150, 6100 nForce 420, 6100 nForce 405, 6100 nForce 400, 6100

You exact hardware can be determined by downloading, installing & running HWInfo:  http://www.hwinfo.com/download32.html
Check "Summary Only", then Run.  Motherboard, graphics card, etc. info are displayed on one page.  For more info, close then run again with nothing checked.

[debby]

My monitor is a Westinghouse 22", model LCM-22w3.  The resolution that is working best right now is 1280 x 960.  The highest it will go is 1280 x 1024.  However, the book says it should be set at 1680 x 1050.  I don't have that high of a number on my display settings.

[debby]

I am not sure what I tried to download at NVIDIA at this point.  I know I only clicked on anything that said 6100.  I've been trying so much stuff to get this working correctly again, I'm beginning to get frustrated enough to go ahead and find the money to get someone to look at it.  I will do the CCleaner first, though.  And the HWInfo also.  Thanks!!!!

[jason2074]

Is this the one you downloaded & tried to install?
GeForce R304 Driver
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp-307.74-whql-driver.html

I'm also wondering why Nvidia has another type of driver of different file size and OS support? http://www.nvidia.com/object/win8-win7-winvista-32bit-307.74-whql-driver.html

[soybean]

While you're taking steps, as suggested in previous posts, to investigate and resolve the issue, I can suggest a resolution setting that should give you a display with less distortion.  I see on http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824255002 that the recommended resolution setting for your monitor is, indeed, 1680 x 1050.  Here's a key point in understanding resolution settings; its called "aspect ratio".  If you divide 1680 by 1050, the result is 1.6, or the ratio of width to height, in pixels.  So, if you have a setting that provides an aspect ratio of 1.6, you have a setting that does not cause text and graphics to look distorted.  This is why a setting of 1024 x 768 would not achieve this goal; 1024/768 = 1.33, not 1.6. 

I'm not suggesting this as a permanent solution.  If it were my computer, I would still want to get the issue resolved.  I think you'll most enjoy your monitor if you get this problem resolved and can set resolution at 1680 x 1050, as it should.  A resolution width of 1680 gives you "more real estate", or, in other words, more space to, for example, have windows for two programs up on your screen side by side.  And, LCD monitors usually display the sharpest, clearest test at the maximum resolution.

[patio]

Been following this one awhile...i suspect that early on if Font size settings were changed at one point...along with registry settings  something's amiss....so who knows what it could be ...
That card supports that monitor's resolution so i'm baffled...

[debby]

I'm following all the posts, not been feeling well enough to sit and work on computer. Hopefully tomorrow and I will report back.  Thank you all so, so much!

[Computer_Commando]

I'm following all the posts, not been feeling well enough to sit and work on computer. Hopefully tomorrow and I will report back.  Thank you all so, so much!

May have given you the wrong link.  Found that you said:  Windows Vista (TM) Home Basic Service Pack 2 (X86).
Try this one:  http://www.nvidia.com/object/win8-win7-winvista-32bit-307.74-whql-driver.html
It's dated yesterday, 1/24/2013

[jason2074]

The other possible software that might have affected the sudden change in your computer is the Arcsoft print. Is Magentic the screensaver you were referring? http://www.magentic.com/splash/splash.aspx

[debby]

Tried to download the NVIDIA link you gave me, said "failed" for updates and two other things, but the driver seems to have gotten installed.

Also Magentic screensaver referred to has been on my computer for years as my screensaver.  I downloaded a desktop "aquarium" from Free Screensavers.