Icons too big for home screen

[LoungeLizard]

Following some system recovery work (on Windows98SE), the icons on my home screen have suddenly increased in size and don't all fit on the screen.  Also the text font seems to have changed.

How do I get it back to how it was before?

[fo3nix]

check your screen resolution:

right-click a blank part of the desktop, and click properties.
goto the settings tab, and check what it's set to. might be set to 800x600, if so, try increasing it up a notch or two until you're happy with it. many monitors have an "optimum" resolution and refresh rate, if you know these then set them at those values (you can find this either in your manual or on the manufacturer's website).

otherwise, try going to the "appearance" or "web" tabs (i forget which on 98SE), and check that you're using the default windows settings, "windows standard". and check that "use large icons" isnt checked (if you have it).

having said that, i think the res. stuff will sort the problem, probably.

[LoungeLizard]

Thank you, fo2.

None of these have worked.  There are no settings listed.  I think I've found the right place to look but everything is described as 'Not Available'

Actually, I have a lot of problems and now think that I need to reboot the computer (and re-install all the software).  However, can't get the reboot disk or diskette to run.

Starting to think I may need to replace computer (5 years old).

[fo3nix]

are you running it in "safe mode"?

it will probably say on the screen somewhere, in the corners?

[LoungeLizard]

No.

Though I am sometimes getting screens advising me to start up in safe-mode.

I'd be happy if I could run the recovery CD and start again.  I've got everything backed-up.

[peanut]

 sounds like you may have to reinstall your drivers

[LoungeLizard]

So how do I do that, peanut?

[peanut]

you should have discs that came with your puter labeled device drivers.

[LoungeLizard]

I have tried that.

I stuck the disks that came with the 'puter in the E-drive and tried various things to make them run. But whilst I was able to display their contents I was unable to get them to re-load or re-install.

I suppose I could always delete everything one by one and try again to re-install but I'm not convinced that would fix the problem.  It would certainly deprive me of the use of the computer which is limping along and providing basic functions, if a bit awkwardly.

My current plan is to shell out �30 and get PC World to check it over.  They say they can do that within 2 days (longer if problems).  My expectation is that they'll probably end up having to wipe the C-drive and I might even get it back next day to re-install the software.   

[fo3nix]

if I were you i'd just format the HD again, and do a clean install.

[LoungeLizard]

Thank you fo3, I am considering trying this; there is a procedure listed off the help menu.

Please confirm that once I have formatted the C-drive I can simply insert all my software CDs, 1 by 1, starting with Windows 98SE, into the E-drive and they automatically reload.