Monitor and Display Troubleshooting

Tips and Troubleshooting

If you see the words 'Safe Mode' in the corners and you don't have any network drives or printers, email nebula@u. If you don't see the words 'Safe Mode', see "How do I change how my screen looks?" on this page, because changing your resolution may fix it.

How do I change how my screen looks?

To change your screen resolution:

Right-click the desktop and choose Properties.
Choose Settings, and drag the slider bar to the right. Many people find that 1024x768 is comfortable.

Things are too small! I can't see them!

Try one or more of the following:

To make everything bigger (decrease the resolution):
- Right-click in an empty area of the desktop, and left-click on Properties.
- Click the Settings tab, and drag the slider bar under "Screen Area" to the left (towards "less"), and click Apply.
To just enlarge the text beneath your icons on the desktop:
- Right-click in an empty area of the desktop, and left-click on Properties.
- Click on the Settings tab, then the Advanced button, and choose Large Fonts from the Font Size drop down list. Click OK.
For just IE, use View -> Text Size to select a larger display text.
For some serious enlargement help, use Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Magnifier. It takes the top inch or two of the screen, and shows a larger image of whatever your cursor is moving over. There's also an Accessibility Wizard in the same location.

If these steps don't solve the problem, please contact nebula-support@cac.washington.edu. Please include the name of the computer, its location, and a good time and way to reach you.