Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: mkhardie on September 05, 2011, 11:13:02 PM

Title: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: mkhardie on September 05, 2011, 11:13:02 PM

Why did my taskbar change all of a sudden from the default vista taskbar to a taskbar that looks as if I were in safe mode?  The desktop also looks funny   -the icons are big and everything looks rough instead of smooth. Can someone please help?  thanks  -

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: jason2074 on September 05, 2011, 11:48:40 PM

Look here -> http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Change-screen-resolution (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Change-screen-resolution)

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: mkhardie on September 06, 2011, 07:54:33 PM

Thank you for the suggestion Jason, but that is definitely NOT the issue.   :(

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: jason2074 on September 06, 2011, 08:52:17 PM

This http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Change-desktop-theme (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Change-desktop-theme)

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: Rob Pomeroy on September 07, 2011, 07:06:29 AM

Right-click computer-->properties-->advanced-->performance.  Any of those settings make a difference?

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: mkhardie on September 10, 2011, 08:06:14 PM

Again, thanks for the suggestions . . . but nope!  my desktop looks nearly the same.  When I log on, however, the windows vista icon ( the one that circles around as the profile begins to load) looks odd - not smooth.  My icons in the task bar look the same way.  When I open programs, even the tabs on the internet look the same way, odd, big, and not smooth.  Things just look like the "safe mode" appearance.  But the screen resolution has not changed.  Nothing I did in the advanced properties helped either.  What on earth could it be?  The computer still works, but the visual is terrible. 

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: jason2074 on September 10, 2011, 09:37:35 PM

Quote

tabs on the internet look the same way, odd, big, and not smooth

.
Are these big displays, fonts and text? http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smaller (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smaller)
If not, then posting a screenshot would help clear and better understand what you meant. Also, posting  your computer model/brand would verify this.

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: mkhardie on September 11, 2011, 10:09:11 PM

I have windows Vista home premium - my computer is an HP Pavilion Media Center m8100n TV PC 3072MB memory 500 GB hard drive.

I took a screen shot of my desk top - but I am unable to embed it in this post.  something is odd there?  When I attempt to 'insert image', it will not let me.   ???




 

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: jason2074 on September 11, 2011, 11:35:36 PM

I would think that with all the links provided, its still not matching the description you have posted. Let's try this http://www.techrepublic.com/article/customizing-vistas-taskbar-and-start-menu/6150810  (http://www.techrepublic.com/article/customizing-vistas-taskbar-and-start-menu/6150810)
If the link would still not help, check your Device Manager for any flags or marks most specifically your video adapter.

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: CallMeCal on July 01, 2016, 05:17:12 AM

Hi! This method worked for me:
Start menu
- Control Panel
-- Appearance and Personalisation
---Change the theme
----Windows 7 theme (or which ever one you prefer)
Hope this helps!

Title: Re: Task bar changed - looks like it started in "safe mode"
Post by: patio on July 01, 2016, 07:00:54 AM

They have been gone for five years...