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General discussion

Low res in Safe Mode

Jun 1, 2007 2:51AM PDT

While in Safe Mode my screen resolution is 600X480 and cannot display all of the needed windows nor programs. I try to change it with display properties but it will not "take." I have WinXP Pro, 19" LCD monitor.

Discussion is locked

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Normal
Jun 1, 2007 3:34AM PDT

Safe Mode starts with a minimal set of drivers and services using a generic video driver at a resolution of 640x480. Most configuration tools are still accessible.

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Yes BUT...
Jun 1, 2007 7:22PM PDT

I guess I should've asked "How do I change the resolution in safe mode?" Yep the tools are thier but as I stated in my original post, it does not change????

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Normal?
Jun 1, 2007 11:48PM PDT

Just an FYI. You go into 'safe mode' to do a particular 'thing', like run an antivirus scan, etc. And then you get out. You don't surf the web, you don't do any word documents, etc. Safe mode, just loads enough 'stuff', drivers etc, so that you can do these minimal 'jobs' that have to be done, and then you get out. Some people do a defrag in safe mode because its faster, nothing else to interfere with the process.
That's it, the end.
Eddie

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You can't
Jun 2, 2007 12:31AM PDT

Safe Mode is, by design, a highly generic setup using the most generic settings possible so that it should always boot. It's one of the few good ideas Microsoft has had for Windows in a long time.

Also, like already mentioned, Safe Mode is designed for diagnostic purposes, you're not supposed to be using it often. You usually go in, run a virus or malware scan, or remove a problematic driver, then go back to normal operation.

If you're having problems with windows fitting on the screen, there is a key combo that can help IIRC. Can't remember if it's Ctrl, Alt, or Shift, but one of those, along with the left mouse button, should let you move a window around simply by clicking on it anywhere. You can then move it up or down to be able to access any control buttons otherwise out of view.

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jackson dougless....didn't work
Jun 2, 2007 3:52AM PDT

I tried all those keys with the left button. At least you understood that I need to see all of a window to use a program in Safe Mode
Thanks.
Gary

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Back to the previous. . .
Jun 2, 2007 8:11AM PDT

Safe mode loads basic video drivers and that's all. It's the nature of the beast. Basic resolution is all you'll get in safe mode. It's all that's available.

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Really?
Jun 2, 2007 9:14AM PDT

Must be thinking of Linux then, sorry.

You can try the combo Alt+Space Bar which will bring down a menu to let you minimize, maximize, and move a window.

If that doesn't work, you're pretty much outta luck.