Screen problem after installing XP Pro SP2

[RogerM]

I've just installed SP2 and now find that the resolution of my screen has changed so that the visible screen stops about 1cm in from the RH side, hiding any graphic that is beneath it. The screen resolution settings have remained unaltered at 1074 x 768. Also the desktop wallpaper has changed back to default, and I can only select from the list that came with XP Pro and not any that I have added myself,\although they are still listed.

Any suggestions before I do a system restore to ditch SP2?

 

[rossored]

I had a bunch of SP2 problems after install, some of which I solved with SP2 and some of which I solved when I system-restored back to SP1

However, the chaps at Windows XP Newsgroups (registration required but ok if you have an MSN passport) were immensely helpful, and you might even find the answer posted there from someone else.

 

[zambuck]

That screen problem has got nothing to do with SP2....what has happened is that SP2 is almost a new operating system install....so after installing you may have to adjust the screen size,centring and geometry....is the case after major install sometimes...

Don't ditch SP2 yet...people install and if something is not working - ditch it very quickly and that creates more problems...

give it few days and few tries to resolve the issue...

 

[zambuck]

By the way I had the same problems....all went back to default...but as I had saved the screen settings, I just used that...ans all back to normal now....

 

[RogerM]

That screen problem has got nothing to do with SP2....what has happened is that SP2 is almost a new operating system install....so after installing you may have to adjust the screen size,centring and geometry....is the case after major install sometimes...

Don't ditch SP2 yet...people install and if something is not working - ditch it very quickly and that creates more problems...

give it few days and few tries to resolve the issue...

Thanks Zambuck. Can't find any reference to screen centreing in display settings, only resolution which has not changed. This is not the first time that an update has caused me problems. Given that I was happy with the way it was before, the lesson seems to be that if you're happy with the system, don't change it in any way.

 

[zambuck]

If it is NEC or SONY flat screens you are using then download the latest drives and see what happens....

regards

 

[ardhill]

Screen Settings...

And if it's a standard CRT (big TV like monitor instead of a nice flat screen) then the settings are on the monitor itself. Usually you will find buttons on it that change various settings such as the position and a bunch of other things. Just press them and you should get an on screen display.

The wallpaper probably just changed to the default on SP2. Right click on the desktop > Properties > Desktop and choose the wallpaper you want.

 

[RogerM]

ardhill - it's a Toshiba Satellite Pro laptop. So no adjustments on the screen and can't find anywhere to adjust screen centring in settings. so far as the wallpaper is concerned (a minor issue) my preferred image is still listed, but it is only the wallpaper images provided with windows that will display - my own photos which are still listed will not appear when selected.

 

[ChartMan]

In my limited experience of MS upgrades, their "hardware driver upgrades" are something to be wary of. I loaded their dual head driver upgrade for my video card once and that screwed everything up on my monitors. Rolling back the driver sorted the problem.
If it ain't broke, DON'T fix it, or MS will break it for you!
See if they've upgraded the driver for you, and if so , roll it back to the manufacturers default.

 

[RogerM]

Thanks Martin. Errr - how do I roll it back to the default please?

 

[TheBramble]

Am I being picky or is this the second thread in as many days to sugest SP2 - ONLY IF YOUR ARM IS HANGING OFF???

 

[ChartMan]

go to video card properties and under driver.....
start/settings/control panel/system/hardware/device manager/ display adapter...click the + sign, then right click on adapter, select properties,then driver,select roll back. :cheesy:

 

[Roberto]

I regret installing SP2 enormously! I've had many problems using the internet. They all started the minute it was installed. A series of phonecalls to NTL broadband support (who contrary to some rumours are remarkably friendly, helpful and interested ... when you eventually get through to them), a two-hour visit from a computer hot-shot/whizz-kid and much internet searching (on another machine) have still not resolved the situation. Many of the problems remain even after removing the whole thing (which has surprised everyone, although all the problems in themselves surprised nobody). I can still barely get online ... so much so (or do I mean "so little so"?) that I'm going out to buy a new system tomorrow. But hey ... my computer's more than 3 years old, and everyone says that's an antique these days.

 

[RogerM]

Chartman - thanks - done that, and rebooted for good measure, but no change!

Roberto - I now feel the same about SP2 - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[ardhill]

I have installed SP2 on 4 machines now, all without any problems at all.

1 X Laptop XP Home
3 X Desktop XP Pro

One of the things that Microsoft recommended was that all previous update should be installed before installing SP2, maybe this is where some of the problems have occurred on the different problem machines.

Of course, we could all change to Linux, but now only do you need to know how to trade, but you need to be a programmer as well. Anyone tried installing a kernel update, hey even many of the programmes are a nightmare to install on a Linux system.

If that isn't challenging enough, try "Linux From Scratch", you start with a completely blank computer and bit by bit build your own operating system from the various components - a bit like building a kit car.

I think Roberto has the right idea, if it's very broke, just buy a new PC

In all seriousness, if it is so broke you just can't fix it or live with it, back up your data to somewhere safe eg another machine or onto CD roms. Then take it to a PC repair shop and ask them to either fix it or format and re-load it. This will clean everything off and you will have a machine that was just like it was when you bought it new.

You will of course need to re-install all your programmes and transfer your data file back on, but it may be a much less expensive solution to buying a new machine if you don't need or want to do that.

As for RogerM's problem...

It sounds like the one thing has messed up both the position of the desktop and the background image, sorry I can't tell you what it is. I am much better working at a machine than I am trying to figure out a problem from a distance. I would never make it in a support call centre, probably don't have the temperament anyway.

 

[culion]

Likewise, I have installed SP-2 on several machines. One thing that Microsoft cautions, in addition to ardhill's comment, is that the machine must be free of spyware. SP-2's installation and spyware don't get along. Did you ensure that all spyware was removed prior to the installation?

 

[Roberto]

I had all previous Windows updates installed and no spyware (I use adaware and spybot). My ISP's support lines have been so overwhelmed with calls that they're just advising people to uninstall the thing. Sadly, in my case, even that didn't resolve all the problems it had suddenly caused.

 

[oatman]

Problems are known to be caused by not disabling your antivirus while installing. Addditonally I've been told by a friend who sorted out a few machines that there are a number of restarts which must not be rushed, give them plenty of time.

 

[oatman]

Roger, did you resolve your problem? Someone else asking similar.

 

[RogerM]

Oatman - no, not yet. been living with it until my son can have a look at it. Been considering doing an uninstall of SP2 but don't want to make the problem worse. Any ideas?