Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: kinder90 on February 21, 2007, 12:52:31 PM

Title: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 21, 2007, 12:52:31 PM
This is the first time I have posted on a forum, so please forgive any lapse in etiquette.

I have a Compaq Presario 6000 with windows xp.  It was running incredibly slowly, taking ten minutes to boot up with constant programme not responding messages, so I tried to get rid of some programmes I was not using.  I do not use video games and so deleted Nvidia driver, thinking that programme was only used for games.

My computer now has everything at double size, icons, windows etc.  Some windows will not even fit on the screen.  I have tried system restore, but each time it tells me it has not worked and that no changes have been made to my computer.  I have also tried all possible display settings, and nothing makes any difference.

I can't seem to find this problem on any message board.  Am I alone?  It is driving me insane.  Can anyone out there help?  I'm afraid I have very little technical knowledge.

Thank you all in advance,

Tania
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 21, 2007, 12:57:46 PM
Go to the Nvidia site and download the latest drivers.
Download it, but don't install it.
Then remove all trace of the old drivers.
Then reboot.
Then install the new drivers.
Then reboot again.
It should be OK now, if not then just set the display settings how you want them.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Neil on February 21, 2007, 01:43:32 PM
This should solve your display issue but it sounds like you have bigger problems.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 21, 2007, 02:29:09 PM
Thank you very much for your kind reply.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 22, 2007, 11:47:40 AM
You're welcome (assuming you were talking to me).
Is that it sorted then?
Because I agree, as Neil said you have other problems you should try to resolve.
This is the first step though, at least your immediate problem is solved (yes? No?).
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 22, 2007, 11:52:04 AM
Thank you again.  Did try the driver thing but it did not work, so, in extreme frustration, I rebooted the entire system - slight terrifying moment when I thought all files were lost, but everything is still there, computer looks normal, and is now working at ten times the previous speed.  Still don't really know what happened, but am just grateful that I am up and running.  Only glitch is that itunes will not open, no matter how many times I download it - I see from other fora that this is a problem lots of people are having, and am just putting it in the hands of the gods and will keep trying.

Thanks, Tania.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 22, 2007, 11:55:19 AM
Rebooted the entire system?
What does that mean?
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 22, 2007, 11:58:52 AM
Oh sorry, do not know correct terminology.  Furiously pressed F10 over and over until it all reset itself, then reloaded Works etc, and now it's just as it was before, except, as I said, working much faster and not doing screen freeze, programme not responding etc.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 22, 2007, 12:01:02 PM
It's anyone's guess what happened then.
As long as it's working now, that's the main thing.
Sounds like you had virus problems before, do you have any malware protection now?
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 22, 2007, 12:03:50 PM
Have Norton, and Windows defender, and something called regcure, which is a registry cleaner, and I never open attachments.  Should that be enough?


Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 22, 2007, 12:08:22 PM
That's a good start.
Have a look here (http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1143816298) for some extra protection.
I recommend Adaware and Spybot, plus a firewall.
See here (http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1134123580) too, there are links to more programs including firewalls (I recommend Sygate).
Hope this helps you out, and post back if you have more questions.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: kinder90 on February 22, 2007, 12:12:03 PM
You are incredibly kind to take so much time over my problem.  Thank you for your good advice;  I shall do all those things you suggest.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, and thank you again.
Title: Re: Huge format
Post by: Calum on February 22, 2007, 12:16:35 PM
You're more than welcome, it's nice to be able to help.
Don't hesitate to post back if you have any more questions.
You have a good weekend too.