i turned off my laptop and turned it back on and what do you know... it decided to make some changes. the display on the screen is about half of the normal size. it is a smallish box in the middle of the screen with about 4 inches on every side that is not being used (it is black). have any ideas on how to get it back to its normal size?

the touchpad has decided to stop working as well, hopefully becuase of this!

have you tried to adjust the resolution via:
Go to Control Panel, Display, Advanced, and adjust the resolution.
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i have tried that multiple times, including different color quality, screen resolution, and both 96 and 120 dpi. the only thing that changes is that it moves from a tiny screen in the middle of the monitor to a slightly larger one. there is still about 2 inches on all sides of black screen not being used.... it just needs to be stretched that final distance.

Are there any settings/ buttons on the monitor/ lid itself?

Do you have the proper Video Drivers?

What happens in safe mode?

i don't know how to go about checking to see if i have the proper video drivers... when i look under my device manager, there is a yellow check mark next to 'other devices'. listed under that (offset) is a yellow check mark next to 'video controller (vga compatible). something might be wrong there...

in terms of safe mode, i just started my computer in safe mode and the display is about 2 inches smaller than the monitor still. i'm at a complete loss.

right click that yellow "!" & then click "update drivers"

If that doesn't help download this scan & post back what it says under "Display"

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

went through the update driver route and it did not find any updates on the computer...

downloaded the belarc program and under display is shows this:

'none detected'

try in the RUN box type: dxdiag

what does that show for display as well as driver?

& just out of curiosity what happens when you hold the Ctrl key & then use either - or +

Run/dxdiag
Display:
main driver: vga.dll
version: 5.01.2600.0000
Signed: Yes
Mini VDD: vga.sys

*under the notes section, it states there are no problems found

When i click ctrl & + or -, nothing happens (assuming i am using the correct keys!)

Hold the Ctrl down... then while holding press + & or -.

I will try to track down that driver. What is the make & model of this laptop?

Are you sure there are no buttons or keys on the computer to adjust monitor settings?

Also make sure you arn't in the vacinity of a magnetic source; speakers; fans; etc.

& just finally (for now) any chance you can drag the screen larger or smaller with the cursor on the edge? <-->