Right click anywhere on your desktop, click properties, click Settings Tab, move slider to Less Screen resolution.

If changing the resolution doesnt fix it ... Think I might go to Dell support and install the Video Adapter DRIVER. Then if that doesnt get it going right also install the Display DRIVER.

Hopefully that would put you back to square one as new.

I just went thru this exact problem when I switched from a nice, old CRT with large resolution to a new LCD with hyper high resolution, so the following is what I found which works, for most sites:

1. For larger fonts: Rt. click desktop, properties, chose appearance tab, font size, extra large, apply, OK. Next chose the Settings tab, be sure the resolution chosen is the native resolution of your monitor and that the color is Highest 32 bit. (that info is in the user manual of the monitor), this will allow all text to appear correctly on the page without overlap or over extension out of the page screen.

2. In Explorer: Rt. Click in the toolbar at the top of the page, check Use Large Icons.

These adjustments will allow large text viewing in almost all places. As I am typing here in the little box, the type is tiny, but almost everywhere else it is fine.

Post back if any of this stuff doesn't work. Once you get it all set up, you will like it better, it took me about 3 or 4 days to get used to it and now it is good.

MES444, I had made all the changes you suggested, but everything is still so tiny. I need BIG letters. I had them set at about size "16" on my old old system. I could read everything with no eye strain and be on the computer for hours.

Not now. Even with all these changes, and magnification at 125%, I can't read the pages and I have to scroll back and forth to get anywhere.

Any other suggestions? Windows 98 again???

Are you having problems with fonts on the browser, on the desktop, email client, word process, what? All?

The problem has nothing to do with your new Dell 520, still I think Dell technical support will provide you warranty help.

We purchased a Dell 531 as a Christmas present, and only the 17" flat screen...works great, never had any problem with font size.

I think the advice given you already should give you the tools needed, be sure you ask for specific help applying those suggestions if you need it...again, you must have an 800 number for Dell, get someone to "walk you through" by telephone.

Send it to me!

marf

OK Caroline, if you did all the things I mentioned earlier there is one more thing you can try. Go back into properties from the rt. click on the desktop, then into settings tab, then advanced box at the bottom, look for DPI settings, click the arrow next to 96dpi and more settings will show, chose larger dpi, apply, ok and see if that works.

If you are now using an LCD and have just moved from a CRT there will be a difference and it will take a few days to get used to it. But generally the words should be easily readable if all the above things are done.

And last, but not least, you can go into the control panel from start and chose accessibility options, then chose "configure windows to work for your vision......." and a wizard comes up so you can adjust things. I have never used this option but it is there so maybe it can help you. Good luck.

I don't know if its your new computer, or your new computer's XP and IE. The favorites list is tiny with IE, especially the new one.

marf

Why not try something besides what doesn't seem to be working for you>?
I would suggest that you get try and install one of these:

SimplyMepis6
http://mepis.org

VectorLinux 5.8
http://vectorlinux.com

Linspire/Freespire
http://linspire.com

PCLinuxOS
http://pclinuxos.com

MintLinux
http://linuxmint.com

And of course: Knoppix...
http://knoppix.com

Here is a link that might be useful: MSWindows alternative sources, it's what works

Caroline, I feel for you. My 19 inch monitor recently bit the dust and I bought a flat screen 19 inch monitor. For the monitor to work properly I had to turn my screen resoloution up and everything was so darn tiny. I changed dpi, I increased fonts, chose large icons etc etc etc. My solsuite solitare cards were so small, could barely find them on the screen. After 4 days of trying every option I could possibly find, I took that monitor back to the store, got my money back, ordered a 19 inch crt online, and it arrived a few days later. I love it, everything is now back to normal for me. I think some of us are just not cut out for the lcd flat screen monitors. Good Luck and hope you get it all worked out. Cat

caroline-
This is not a characteristic of your new machine. It's a problem with a setting. Rather than have us keep guessing, get Dell tech support on the phone, and stay on until it gets fixed.

I agree...get Dell on the line...especially since it is brand new.

I have a Dell, and the first call I made went to India...what a hair pulling conversation. I later got of a Dell number that went to FL, or maybe Canada, and got great help. They should be able to get you all fixed up. Email me if you want/need a good (English speaking) number to call.

The extended warranty was to run out on my 3 year old Dell, so I just purchased a 2 year extension. I'm now assured that I can get help when I need it, and that it will stay like near new.

I'm sure they can/will get you set up with the right settings.
Sue...who has been pleased with her Dell and customer Service.

OK, after I read this thread, I started fooling around with my screen. Now it is all messed up!

What is the process where I go back to a previous days setting and return my computer to it's original look before the changes I made? Once I find it on the computer, I know what to do. I just can't remember where it is!

Hum, you may want to restore an old "registry", but I'm guessing and I'm also of the view that if you've rebooted a few times you don't have an "old registry" that has what you want. One needs to save a copy of a "fall-back" before they start "playing" with anything they can't deal with directly.

I'd think you can recover by simply using the tools discussed here, for me that involves some tedious trial-an-error figuring out what the desktop properties calls all the menus and other areas of the screen, including applications, but I've always been about to "work it out".

newhomebuilder,
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore
or
Start/ Run/ type> %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Thanks anyway! I found it on my own - System Restore.

I had to play around when I got my new computer, to find the right settings for my 24" monitor. I have a Dell XPS400 and I love it, so don't give up.

Click on start then click on Control Panel next click on Dispaly. Then click on the Settings tab. You will see a slider bar......try different resolutions to adjust everything. Mine is set on 1152X864 and it works for everything I do... I like easy to read larger fonts too! Changing the resolution also helped even with the new IE7 Favorites, the print there is the same size as when I read the forums.

Nancy

Ok, what does "system restore" do? What if I haven't made any changes in the last 30 days and I, for some reason, maybe accident, activate "system restore" what do I end up with?

Restore
It offers you a calendar/list of dates to choose from.

Some, not all, of the user and system main settings, it reverts back to that date.

Don't think it really deletes anything except registry keys and redoo's protected files and drivers that may have changed. Something like that... look up restore in HELP.

Try it,, make a restore point... then go back to an older restore point ,,a week or so. See if it breaks something.

A useful feature with Restore is the opportunity to create a Restore point right before making drastic changes to your computer's hardware or software. Then if things are not what you wanted you simply revert back to that Restore oint.

One more small note, if you are dong a scan because you may have unwanted guests on the computer turn off System Restore then scan. Remember to turn it back on afterwards if you use it

Some of you might remember the problems I had with a new computer...I'm sure there are some Dells that are very good and give no problems...I bought one with all the bells and wistles also...cost almost $2,000...it was a beautiful machine. But....I kept getting error messages...I was on Dell tech support somewhere in Pakistan or India for fourteen hours and they had no idea what those errors were. They sent a live tech to my house to replace the hard drive...it wasn't a hard drive problem...more foreign tech support...another live visit. The tech they sent was apparently only allowed to do what they told him to do and not delve further into the problem. Well, it ended up with me sending the whole thing back. It cost me forty dollars to have it packed, but I got rid of that baby with a full refund. I think if I could have talked to English speaking techs, I might have been able to work through the problems. But...then, when you pay that much for a computer, you don't expect to "have" to spend that much time with tech support. I "might" have gotten them to refund to cost of packing, but I was just glad to see it go. I bought an HP locally and can go into the store and talk directly to them if need be. But...they came out and set it up and it was working when they left...cost a little more, but it was worth it...So...believe me..I know how you feel. I feel your pain...

Most will already know this, but you can also make your font temporarily larger by holding down the CTRL key and turning your mouse wheel. It makes three sizes. Just turn the wheel again to go back to normal font.

Wow! Thanks for all the ideas; I've used most of them to no avail. I did get my email and favorites lists to show up big enough to read. I think it's a bad computer.

JerryNJ...My Browser is IE. The Favorites list is now big enough. Some pages open to a full size screen; others look like they are in "print view" They look like a piece of note paper set in the center of the big screen.

The desk top icons are big enough but are pixilated to the point of looking silly. The small tool bars at the bottom of the monitor are distorted/pixilated, too.

I'm not sure about the email client. I use Outlook Express through the local cable TV company. They're home page is very small on my screen, too.

Word 2003 is okay, but not user friendly. Has a tool bar to the right that I have to close each time. I have to scroll back and forth on it.

ChemoCurl...I've sent you an email!

Mikie and Owbist...I've tried the restore, no luck. That's interesting about the "unwanted visitors" but I have no idea of how to scan for them.

NewHomeBuilder...The control key fix does make everything larger, but then it's so pixilated I can't stand it.

MAYBEE...You error problems sound frighteningly similar. I'm getting two or three "Open but with errors on page" everyday.

Caroline, before you give up, if you have another monitor, or can borrow one for an hour or so, disconnect the new monitor, and hook up a regular crt monitor, preferably one at least 17 inch screen. Once you have done that, right click on desktop and properties, and settings. Under screen resoloution, make sure it says 800x600. Reboot the computer and see if everything is more normal for you. You may need to change the resoloution up another notch if things are way too big. I suspect, you were probably using 800x600 settings on your old computer. Give it a try and post back. Good Luck :-)Cat

Caroline-
The one thing I'm not understanding is why you're not on the phone with Dell. This might be fixable with a short call. Isn't this a new computer? I'll say it again, it sounds like it's a setting that's off; this is not a characteristic of a new computer. If by some chance it's a hardware issue, Dell owes you a replacement. Since you still have a problem, despite all this input, it's Dell's turn to help. Is there a reason you don't want to try that?

P.S.: When this gets fixed, I'd love to know how it was done.

I was on the phone with Dell for about five hours yesterday. Language barriers were a problem. Their solution? They're sending a new monitor; it should be here Tuesday.

As little as I know, this is not a monitor problem; this is a computer problem. Still, they are going to call me Tuesday, after I've hooked up the new monitor.

Again, thanks for all the imput and I will keep you informed as the story unfolds, implodes, explodes...whatever it's going to do! LOL

I was on Dell tech support for a total of fourteen hours...almost got a divorce over having my phone to my ear for days...sent the thing back and am as happy as a pig in mud with my new HP. I do know that there are good Dell computers, but I paid a bundle for the one I had...I shouldn't have "had" to spend fourteen hours on the phone..plus two in-home calls. I learned a lot, though, and I might be able to get through it now if I had to do it over...hope that is never the case. That Dell was a beautiful machine, though.

I'm happy to add here that I sent caroline the good 'English' speaking tech support number.

The one in the Dell manual went to India (I think) and there was a delay in the conversation going back and forth...kind of like talking on a ham radio, I think.

Maybe she will be up and running problem free b4 the monitor even arrives.

I'm happy to add here that I sent caroline the good 'English' speaking tech support number.

Care to share that?

Sure...This is it I'm pretty sure according to my notes

1-800-822-8965

I just heard from Carolyn, who just 'found' the email and number, and she will be calling them here shortly.

I've asked that she keep us updated with the progress/help she gets.

Sue

Caroline, I'm adding this kind of late, but I too went through a frustrating experience with overseas heavily accented language a few years ago when I bought a Dell.

Happily, I discovered they will send prompt, precisely worded, easy to follow instructions once presented with the problem via email when you approach them using that means. The instructions can be printed for ease in following, and the tech assigned my 'case' stayed right on it until my problem was solved.

I haven't needed Dell support for the D521 purchased in December so far, but have had excellent technical support from HP and from PNY memory via email. In the case of PNY when I was still having problems the telephoned me! As it turns out I had cleared the driver problem form what they had sent before the US-based telephone call, still I was impressed.

The email did look to be a little "off" English-wise, but very easy to read and very prompt, usually sent at night (EST USA) and received before bed time or at least before I started again in the morning.

I just read a bit of a Mike Dell interview
$6, he wants six bucks added on the price for a regular pc so he can pay to plant a tree, or part of one, on his land - which he said he's got lots of.

Your investment in his land will, with that tree, purify the polution you make with his pc.

Oh why cant I remember... think it was 2.5 million support calls were handled successfully last year, might have been last month. Anyhow - Gotta wonder, how many calls were handled there that werent successfull.

Haven't heard anything from Caroline...wonder if she totally lost it...her computer and the internet that is.

Her email on the 11th said she was crying hysterically. Poor thing.

Maybe she didn't pay the $6, so they aren't heppin her.

I'm still here, and still hysterical. Beyond tears.

I called Dell three times today. Was on the phone for about five hours. But what the heck; I don't have a life. I want to have a phone stuck in my ear for hours on end.

Short version...I'm supposed to get a tech help call in the morning. They're supposed to authorize a person to come to my house, check the system and possibly replace the video card and/or drivers. If that doesn't fix the problem they'll replace the computer.

Long version...I first called the "English" help number and talked to "Steve" in Texas. He was helpful and at least sounded concerned. I gave him the gory details of my computer woes. He walked across a hall and talked to tech support people. He had me punch some keys. He had more discussions with the tech people. He and they agreed I need in-house support, but I had to be patched through to a special number to arrange this. (Why couldn't the tech people sitting right there down the hall from him arrange it???)

The special number sent me back (by slow boat) to yet another man in India. He insisted I hook up the new monitor they sent. I hadn't unpacked it because I know it's not a monitor problem.

We haggled back and forth; he said he could not authorize an in-house call if I did not first hook up the new monitor and cable so he could be assured that it wasn't a monitor problem. I had no choice but to capitulate.

I rolled up the braided rug, pulled the heavy desk out from the wall, and unhooked the first monitor. I unboxed the second monitor and got it hooked up. (With the phone in my ear all this time.) All the problems were still there.

He put me on hold again, and then we were cut off. He didn't call back.

So, I had to call the "English" number again and go through the entire rigmarole with another person, "Hillary". The Indian man had not made any notes to my account. There was no proof that I had talked to him. I told her about talking to "Steve." and by a stroke of fate he works in her building. She put me on hold and went looking for him. He verified I'd called and he'd patched me through to a tech number. They conferred; I conferred with each of them; they conferred with the Dallas techs. Then Hillary set up the appointment for a tech person to call me in the morning. This person is supposedly going to authorize and schedule the in-house tech person. When they arrive they will take care of returning the second monitor.

...to be continued...

Really unhappy story, and makes me nervous with my new Dell PC. I have to say I've owned more PCs and notebooks than I care to try to count, call it 10. Most were company owned, still I used them and have first hand experience. I've never had a hardware problem! Wow!

Wish you better "luck" going forward, Caroline.

Caroline I am sure that as you have related this sad story here you must have also hopefully made notes. May I suggest that when the in house call happens be cool, calm and collected. Then insist on a name and phone number of someone who has the power to authorise the return of this anchor you appear to have. Unless of course this person fixes the problem to your satisfaction.

This thread is 8 days old, that is an unacceptable amount of time for confident, competent people to have got this situation sorted out for you.

I've always owned Dell Computers (10 yrs.) 4 machines. I've had to deal with their 'tech support' over those years and have had really horrid experiences and also good ones. I've been lucky that the only hardware problem was a 5yr old CD drive, and a video card replacement, which they sent a tech to install a new one. The software problems required calls to them when the computers were new. It was horrible. If I had been more 'computer savy' I could have been able to fix the issues myself, not requiring a call.

I thought M.Dell was sinking millions of $$$'s into better service. It's obvious Caroline has not received a dime of that money.

I've had two in home visits from their service people over 10 years and I can tell you, they will only discuss what they were sent to do. They will not listen to you about any other matter. They will not give you any information and will tell you to call Dell. I could never get anywhere with them, even though they were local people. I even offered to pay them privately and they refused stating, "they would lose their contract with Dell."

I feel so sorry for you. I remember those wasted days and nights dealing with those morons.

Good luck,
Jane

Hopefully her woes will soon be over.

I have a 3 year old Dell, and have been pleased with the support they have given me...though I too was nearly reduced to tears and hair pulling b4 calling them and together we got it all emptied and reloaded...just the simplest way for me...who is so challenged.

Recently I renewed my extended warranty for another 2 years (they will only do a total of 5 years). Some might think it was costly ($200 + something), but I got the 'Gold' warranty. Allegedly if I call, the call will be answered in 2 minutes (we shall see). It covers both the hardware and the software. They will come into my computer (via the net) if I want and allow them to. It provides software tech support as well as hardware.

I figure it is worth it to know my computer will be kept in working order for the next 2 years with no additional expense. I've never heard of anyone taking their computer in to be repaired without getting billed $200 to $250, and then saying that things 'still' weren't right.

Somehow or other I manage to get things all fouled up bad, though it has been a while thank goodness...maybe I'm getting a little better. I 'do' know though that when I had major problems the first time was when I had not kept a good up to date antivirus on it. I know now how stupid that was of me.

Caroline,

Have you heard from the tech yet? Is he coming today I hope?

Sue...who feels for ya!

Caroline, when I first read that things were pixelated, my 1st thought was the video card. I can't believe they'd send you another monitor for that.

You've spent a lot of time with support. Are you willing to keep doing that? What you need to know about their 30 day policy is that if they tell you to return it for an exchange, they will not send you the "exact" computer. They will not "build" you a new one but will take one that someone else returned, refurbish it, then send it to you; so you will lose out on software or hardware that you originally paid for.

Dump that puppy. Get your money back and get something else. Heck go to the link below, or look at Cyber power. Check the prices for a "real" computer, one that you can pick the parts, even the case. You will spend a few hundred less. I've used cyber power and was very happy with the service.

Here is a link that might be useful: ibuypower

It sounds to me as if you are going through the exact same thing that I went through...hours and hours on the phone to tech support...I had two in-home calls, but they seemed easier to get than what you are going through. That tech told me I shouldn't have to be going through all of what I was going through. I think "maybe" he could have fixed the problem, but all he was allowed to do was what he was told to do..ie come and replace the hard drive (I knew and he knew it wasn't a hard drive problem) I really forget what he came out the second time for and the problems were still there. They "did" give me a case number so the tech in India that I called each time could look it up and see what was done last. I finally gave up...called tech support and said I wanted to return the computer (it was on my son's Dell card). At this point, they told me I had had it too long for a full refunded return. I told them to look at when I made my first complaint and notice I hadn't had it for very long before I called tech support and that they had dinked around with it so long, that my refund time was up. They finally refunded the full amount. I was told how to ship it and I followed their instructions to the letter. They weren't going to refund eighty some dollars because they said that one object should have been packed separately...I had the documentation where they said to put "everything" in two boxes...they told me what to put in each box and to write on the box what was inside. Well, it ended up costing me forty dollars to get it packed, and I "might" have gotten that amount refunded (not sure) but, I was just glad to see the tail lights of the UPS car leaving my driveway with those boxes. Roselvr, I "probably" paid too much for the computer I ended up with...I bought locally, but I have a "smokin'" computer...it works and I have a place to go and personally ask questions if need be. I asked Dell to send me a questionaire to fill out and tell my story...yes, they need these horror stories documented along with the "happy" ones they produce. They didn't see it that way and didn't "want" my story on a questionaire. My son felt bad because he has a Dell and has been happy with it...although not happy with the Indian tech support...and he talked me into buying a Dell. I told him it was, "just one of those things" and I might have gotten a good one, it just didn't happen that way. But...as I said, I went through the same thing and finally got it out of the house. How long have you had it? "Can" you return it at this time? I would call tech support and start making arrangements to get it out of your house....but rememeber...you're not alone, I know what you are going through completely :o)

Maybee, Dell can't stop you from joining reseller ratings and posting a review there. I've done it and gotten satisfaction from tiger direct with a bad digital camera. I would suggest a local place, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a good local shop. I do think it's your best bet, even if you do pay a little more. I like cyber power because it's almost like going locally, except you decide what you want.

What Dell put you through is typical of them not honoring refunds. It's how they work. They drag everything out until the customer has no choice but to send it back for what they think is a new replacement. Glad you didn't get screwed, even if you did end up losing $40, it was well worth it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reseller ratings