[larunlady]

I recently got a new widescreen monitor and everything is stretched to fit the screen, including photographs. How do I get them back to normal? Everybody looks broad! I use Picasa photo viewer and cannot find anything there to help.
I would appreciate it if anyone out there can help. I am a new member of MSFN Forums and this is my first topic.

[Tripredacus]

It sounds like you didn't change your screen resolution when you hooked up the new display. Check the specs on it on the website, or a manual and look for the Native Resolution. That is the resolution you should have your screen set to. Or check your display settings and find ones like 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 I think are ones people like to use. The widescreen monitor I have here runs native at 1440x900.

[GrofLuigi]

Very often Native Resolution is the largest one you can select (on LCD screens).

GL

[larunlady]

Thank you for that help! I am now trying to find my 'native resolution' settings! Will let you know how I get on!

[larunlady]

I have found that my resolution is 1600 x 900 and that obviously causing the stretching I mentioned. I altered a setting to 'fill to aspect ration' but it looked dreadful, just a strip in the middle of the screen. I still haven't found out how to actually alter the resolution to anything more suitable. I will now try to find out if Picasa which I use for my photos has any way to alter the size of the photos! At least thanks to you I now know what native resolution is!!

This post has been edited by larunlady: 01 November 2009 - 04:21 AM

[Tripredacus]

What is the model of your monitor and also what video card or controller you have?

[larunlady]

Oh dear, this is where I show how dim I am! I do know my monitor is a HP 2009v but my computer is a Dell with Windows XP professional and although I do have a list of what was loaded on it I can't see any mention of a video card or controller! Do they have other terms?

[-X-]

Run this command: devmgmt.msc then click the plus sign next to display adapters.

[larunlady]

Thank you -X- for that! I'm sure those instructions will come in useful on another occasion. Never heard of it. Anyway the result is: Intel® 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family. It's a whole new language I'm learning here!

[Tripredacus]

This website here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...=reg_R1002_USEN

Says your native resolution is 1600x900. If you go into your display properties, under Settings, you can change the resolutin there. If 1600x900 is not a choice, you might have to update your video drivers. The latest driver for this display adapter is located here:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Des...64&lang=eng

Be warned that it appears you have an old motherboard inside that computer. It is possible that it is not capable of the resolution your monitor is designed to use. However, it never hurts to try!

[larunlady]

Oh no, not an old motherboard!! I know exactly how it feels... It doesn't sound good, does it mean a new computer or is it possible to just replace it? But thank you for those links and that information, I'm learning all the time, despite the insult about my motherboard! Again when I have time, I will investigate further. It takes me a while to do something you probably find sooo easy!

[Tripredacus]

larunlady, on Nov 5 2009, 04:38 AM, said:

Oh no, not an old motherboard!! I know exactly how it feels... It doesn't sound good, does it mean a new computer or is it possible to just replace it? But thank you for those links and that information, I'm learning all the time, despite the insult about my motherboard! Again when I have time, I will investigate further. It takes me a while to do something you probably find sooo easy!

Its not an insult about the motherboard. The one in my home computer is older than yours.