800 x 600 resolution makes desktop small with inches of black surrounding it

Not long ago I connected a televison to my laptop and in doing, forgot that the F8 key changed outputs. I knew it was a function key, but I made many errors before I finally recalled which key it was. I also used many Alt-F2, Ctrl-Alt-F6, and many other stupid key combinations that many have caused this problem. Here is the issue: When I change the monitor resolution so my kids can play a game from 1500 x 1400 (I think) to 800 x 600, the desktop shrinks down to 800 x 600, or so it appears, and a few inches of black surround it to the edge of the screen. And, the resolution still appears to the high, like it never actually changed. It is as if the screen thinks I just want a 800 x 600 view of my normal resolution. I reinstalled the driver last night from the backup disk. That did not work. Same conditions. Any thoughts?

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35 Answers

I have a Dell Inspiron 8100 and I believe the combination is Fn+F7 to expand the screen. Must be pressed at bootup..

Posted on Sep 23, 2007

Anonymous

Fn+F7 when windows boots.
Then right click on desktop,
Properties, Settings, Advanced, GeForce 2 Go
Flat Panel Display, Use Display Adapter Settings

Posted on Nov 13, 2007

Kevin Shafer

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Dell Master
1,314 Answers

Try going into your computer's BIOS. In there should be an option to expand your desktop / video or something like that. It will have the word expand in there and when you see it you will know what it means. Basically your laptop has an optimal resolution of 1024 x 768 and since you are running it in 800 x 600, the laptop is only displaying that. Set that option in the BIOS and it should stretch your 800 x 600 to the full screen.

Posted on Jun 21, 2007

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