MS Vista update on 6-1-2008 changed settings and appearance

BACKGROUND:

I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.

EQUIPMENT:

I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting to be
installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following problem).

I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.

My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is an Acer
17� wide.

All of this was purchased about four months ago.

PROBLEM:

On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS updates
(I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:

* Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)

* Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.33.9770.6)

My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.

At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than before. My
gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of round it
was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word Arial
font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did before I had
to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial Narrow).
My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many other
changes also occurred.

My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and appearances
like they were before.

WHAT I’VE TRIED:

I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings. Nothing
seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round, but not
like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like the
letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in their
email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.

I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out how to
do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this date�
function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.

I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling with
the display settings.

One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video driver.
I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and install
that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings in
"Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting the
hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then press scan
for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�

But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
something like this, whatever it is.

I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS obviously
caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product code, so
apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.

I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the same kind
of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.

I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it was
before, and need help doing that.

Thanks for your consideration.


--
Chris

It sounds like you installed a Video Card Driver from Windows Updates.
Never install 3rd party hardware Drivers from WU.

Go to either your Computer's, Graphic Card's or Motherboard Manufacturer's
manufacturer's website and download the latest Graphics/Video Driver from
there, not MS!

Also, you can uninstall the offending updates, and when they appear for
install
again>Right-Click> Hide.

And there is always System Restore.
Start>Programs>Accessories>SystemTools>System Restore.
--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"Chris" wrote:

> BACKGROUND:
>
> I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.
>
> EQUIPMENT:
>
> I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
> current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting to be
> installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following problem).
>
> I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.
>
> My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is an Acer
> 17� wide.
>
> All of this was purchased about four months ago.
>
> PROBLEM:
>
> On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS updates
> (I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:
>
> * Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)
>
> * Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.33.9770.6)
>
> My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.
>
> At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than before. My
> gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of round it
> was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word Arial
> font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did before I had
> to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial Narrow).
> My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many other
> changes also occurred.
>
> My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and appearances
> like they were before.
>
> WHAT I’VE TRIED:
>
> I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings. Nothing
> seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round, but not
> like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
> problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like the
> letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in their
> email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.
>
> I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out how to
> do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this date�
> function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.
>
> I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling with
> the display settings.
>
> One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video driver.
> I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and install
> that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings in
> "Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting the
> hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then press scan
> for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�
>
> But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
> something like this, whatever it is.
>
> I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS obviously
> caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product code, so
> apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.
>
> I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the same kind
> of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.
>
> I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it was
> before, and need help doing that.
>
> Thanks for your consideration.
>
>
> --
> Chris

This certainly does sound like an issue with your video card driver
being botched by MS updates. If this is the case, your video output
whether it is onboard (integrated into the motherboard) or an add-i
video card, may not output widescreen resolutions. This is very likel
why you would notice a stretched image. The first step would be to chec
with the PC manufacturer to verify what display adapter is actually i
your computer, and download up-to-date drivers from their website. Wha
model is your particular computer? If you go to 'PowerSpec Home Page
(http://www.powerspec.com/
and click on your model number on the left, a page for that model wil
show up next. Right below the specs for that model, there will be a lin
for "drivers and support" fr your model. the download you are lookin
for is "video", and the actual filename and download link will b
directly to the right of the word video
Once you download this file and run it, and agree to any prompts yo
receive to complete installation, you may need to reboot the system
When you are back at your desktop, you can skip going to the contro
panel by simply right clicking anywhere on your desktop background, an
selecting "personalize" from the menu. In the window that opens next
select "Display Settings" near the bottom. From there you can change th
resolution. Typically, the maximum resolution that you can select is th
actual monitor resolution, but this is not always the case. At any rate
you can play with those settings and see what looks best, but
widescreen resolution should be obvious by the changing shape of th
numbered preview rectangles

--
bad_the_ba

Thank you, Mick.

I honestly don't know (and previously didn't really care) what I was
installing. I assumed that if an update came from MS and was labeled
important that I should install it. And I don't know enough, or have enough
time, to figure out what the installation is - I just want to have a reliable
computer / system that I can use everyday.

Your comments seem helpful, so I will try to do what you suggest.

But, first, when I start messing with this stuff, uninstalling, and the
like, am I putting myself at risk of crashing my whole system, or getting
involved in untold hours of time?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.
--
Chris


"Mick Murphy" wrote:

> It sounds like you installed a Video Card Driver from Windows Updates.
> Never install 3rd party hardware Drivers from WU.
>
> Go to either your Computer's, Graphic Card's or Motherboard Manufacturer's
> manufacturer's website and download the latest Graphics/Video Driver from
> there, not MS!
>
> Also, you can uninstall the offending updates, and when they appear for
> install
> again>Right-Click> Hide.
>
> And there is always System Restore.
> Start>Programs>Accessories>SystemTools>System Restore.
> --
> Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia
>
>
> "Chris" wrote:
>
> > BACKGROUND:
> >
> > I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.
> >
> > EQUIPMENT:
> >
> > I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
> > current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting to be
> > installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following problem).
> >
> > I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.
> >
> > My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is an Acer
> > 17� wide.
> >
> > All of this was purchased about four months ago.
> >
> > PROBLEM:
> >
> > On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS updates
> > (I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:
> >
> > * Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)
> >
> > * Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.33.9770.6)
> >
> > My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.
> >
> > At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than before. My
> > gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of round it
> > was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word Arial
> > font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did before I had
> > to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial Narrow).
> > My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many other
> > changes also occurred.
> >
> > My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and appearances
> > like they were before.
> >
> > WHAT I’VE TRIED:
> >
> > I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings. Nothing
> > seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round, but not
> > like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
> > problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like the
> > letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in their
> > email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.
> >
> > I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out how to
> > do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this date�
> > function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.
> >
> > I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling with
> > the display settings.
> >
> > One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video driver.
> > I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and install
> > that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings in
> > "Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting the
> > hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then press scan
> > for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�
> >
> > But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
> > something like this, whatever it is.
> >
> > I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS obviously
> > caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product code, so
> > apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.
> >
> > I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the same kind
> > of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.
> >
> > I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it was
> > before, and need help doing that.
> >
> > Thanks for your consideration.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Chris

bad_the_ba -

Thank you for responding.

You obviously took a lot of time with your response and I appreciate that.

I will try to think this through and give it a shot, once I can be assured
I'm not going to do something that completely messes me up.

At this point I'm troubled. Is this something that happens often or is
going to happen again? After the initial shock of the differences in Word
2007 / Vista from before, I actually thought this MS stuff was pretty good
(about 75 % of my time on the Internet and the remainder writing Word
documents), but now I'm wondering if I'm going to have to start becoming a
"techie' and I (to say it again) just don't have the time (or desire) to do
that.

I appreciate you answering, and I'll let you know what happens.
--
Chris


"bad_the_ba" wrote:

>
> This certainly does sound like an issue with your video card drivers
> being botched by MS updates. If this is the case, your video output,
> whether it is onboard (integrated into the motherboard) or an add-in
> video card, may not output widescreen resolutions. This is very likely
> why you would notice a stretched image. The first step would be to check
> with the PC manufacturer to verify what display adapter is actually in
> your computer, and download up-to-date drivers from their website. What
> model is your particular computer? If you go to 'PowerSpec Home Page'
> (http://www.powerspec.com/)
> and click on your model number on the left, a page for that model will
> show up next. Right below the specs for that model, there will be a link
> for "drivers and support" fr your model. the download you are looking
> for is "video", and the actual filename and download link will be
> directly to the right of the word video.
> Once you download this file and run it, and agree to any prompts you
> receive to complete installation, you may need to reboot the system.
> When you are back at your desktop, you can skip going to the control
> panel by simply right clicking anywhere on your desktop background, and
> selecting "personalize" from the menu. In the window that opens next,
> select "Display Settings" near the bottom. From there you can change the
> resolution. Typically, the maximum resolution that you can select is the
> actual monitor resolution, but this is not always the case. At any rate,
> you can play with those settings and see what looks best, but a
> widescreen resolution should be obvious by the changing shape of the
> numbered preview rectangles.
>
>
> --
> bad_the_ba
>

Hardware updates are labled Optional, not "important". Uninstall the update
and leave things alone since it caused you a problem. Once you know an
update is not right for your system you should hide or just ignore it. The
"important" update was just the Defender update.

"Chris" <> wrote in message
news:E0084ADE-5698-4C07-9A06-...
> Thank you, Mick.
>
> I honestly don't know (and previously didn't really care) what I was
> installing. I assumed that if an update came from MS and was labeled
> important that I should install it. And I don't know enough, or have
> enough
> time, to figure out what the installation is - I just want to have a
> reliable
> computer / system that I can use everyday.
>
> Your comments seem helpful, so I will try to do what you suggest.
>
> But, first, when I start messing with this stuff, uninstalling, and the
> like, am I putting myself at risk of crashing my whole system, or getting
> involved in untold hours of time?
>
> Thanks for taking the time to respond.
> --
> Chris
>
>
> "Mick Murphy" wrote:
>
>> It sounds like you installed a Video Card Driver from Windows Updates.
>> Never install 3rd party hardware Drivers from WU.
>>
>> Go to either your Computer's, Graphic Card's or Motherboard
>> Manufacturer's
>> manufacturer's website and download the latest Graphics/Video Driver from
>> there, not MS!
>>
>> Also, you can uninstall the offending updates, and when they appear for
>> install
>> again>Right-Click> Hide.
>>
>> And there is always System Restore.
>> Start>Programs>Accessories>SystemTools>System Restore.
>> --
>> Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia
>>
>>
>> "Chris" wrote:
>>
>> > BACKGROUND:
>> >
>> > I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.
>> >
>> > EQUIPMENT:
>> >
>> > I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
>> > current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting to
>> > be
>> > installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following
>> > problem).
>> >
>> > I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.
>> >
>> > My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is an
>> > Acer
>> > 17� wide.
>> >
>> > All of this was purchased about four months ago.
>> >
>> > PROBLEM:
>> >
>> > On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS
>> > updates
>> > (I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:
>> >
>> > * Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)
>> >
>> > * Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition
>> > 1.33.9770.6)
>> >
>> > My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.
>> >
>> > At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than before.
>> > My
>> > gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of round
>> > it
>> > was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word
>> > Arial
>> > font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did before
>> > I had
>> > to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial
>> > Narrow).
>> > My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many other
>> > changes also occurred.
>> >
>> > My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and
>> > appearances
>> > like they were before.
>> >
>> > WHAT I’VE TRIED:
>> >
>> > I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings.
>> > Nothing
>> > seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round,
>> > but not
>> > like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
>> > problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like
>> > the
>> > letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in
>> > their
>> > email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.
>> >
>> > I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out how
>> > to
>> > do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this
>> > date�
>> > function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.
>> >
>> > I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling
>> > with
>> > the display settings.
>> >
>> > One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video
>> > driver.
>> > I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and
>> > install
>> > that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings
>> > in
>> > "Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting
>> > the
>> > hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then press
>> > scan
>> > for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�
>> >
>> > But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
>> > something like this, whatever it is.
>> >
>> > I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS
>> > obviously
>> > caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product
>> > code, so
>> > apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.
>> >
>> > I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the same
>> > kind
>> > of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.
>> >
>> > I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it
>> > was
>> > before, and need help doing that.
>> >
>> > Thanks for your consideration.
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Chris

You were given good advice by Mr. Murphy. Do a System Restore to a
point prior to the updates installation and then go to the video card
vendor's website and download and install any updated drivers. Do a System
Restore before installing the new driver.
Also, before installing any updates from Microsoft you should right
click on the update and select View. This will tell you, in most cases, what
the update is all about.
Windows update will create a System Restore before installing some
updates, but not all the time. You should create a System Restore point
before installing any updates or new software.

C.B.



It is the responsibility and duty of everyone to help the underprivileged
and unfortunate among us.

"Chris" <> wrote in message
news:72729101-118D-49EE-9866-...
> bad_the_ba -
>
> Thank you for responding.
>
> You obviously took a lot of time with your response and I appreciate that.
>
> I will try to think this through and give it a shot, once I can be assured
> I'm not going to do something that completely messes me up.
>
> At this point I'm troubled. Is this something that happens often or is
> going to happen again? After the initial shock of the differences in Word
> 2007 / Vista from before, I actually thought this MS stuff was pretty good
> (about 75 % of my time on the Internet and the remainder writing Word
> documents), but now I'm wondering if I'm going to have to start becoming a
> "techie' and I (to say it again) just don't have the time (or desire) to
> do
> that.
>
> I appreciate you answering, and I'll let you know what happens.
> --
> Chris
>
>
> "bad_the_ba" wrote:
>
>>
>> This certainly does sound like an issue with your video card drivers
>> being botched by MS updates. If this is the case, your video output,
>> whether it is onboard (integrated into the motherboard) or an add-in
>> video card, may not output widescreen resolutions. This is very likely
>> why you would notice a stretched image. The first step would be to check
>> with the PC manufacturer to verify what display adapter is actually in
>> your computer, and download up-to-date drivers from their website. What
>> model is your particular computer? If you go to 'PowerSpec Home Page'
>> (http://www.powerspec.com/)
>> and click on your model number on the left, a page for that model will
>> show up next. Right below the specs for that model, there will be a link
>> for "drivers and support" fr your model. the download you are looking
>> for is "video", and the actual filename and download link will be
>> directly to the right of the word video.
>> Once you download this file and run it, and agree to any prompts you
>> receive to complete installation, you may need to reboot the system.
>> When you are back at your desktop, you can skip going to the control
>> panel by simply right clicking anywhere on your desktop background, and
>> selecting "personalize" from the menu. In the window that opens next,
>> select "Display Settings" near the bottom. From there you can change the
>> resolution. Typically, the maximum resolution that you can select is the
>> actual monitor resolution, but this is not always the case. At any rate,
>> you can play with those settings and see what looks best, but a
>> widescreen resolution should be obvious by the changing shape of the
>> numbered preview rectangles.
>>
>>
>> --
>> bad_the_ba
>>

Chris;737331 Wrote:
>
> At this point I'm troubled. Is this something that happens often or i
> going to happen again? After the initial shock of the differences i
> Wor
> 2007 / Vista from before, I actually thought this MS stuff was prett
> goo
> (about 75 % of my time on the Internet and the remainder writing Wor
> documents), but now I'm wondering if I'm going to have to star
> becoming
> "techie' and I (to say it again) just don't have the time (or desire
> to d
> that

I wouldn't say that this is something that happens "often", but I ca
assure you that it is not isolated to Vista. If you had installed a
incorrect or "generic" display adapter on XP, you would have noticed th
same thing on reboot, that certain resolutions may not be available, an
the display would be stretched or distorted. It's pretty much a matte
of getting the driver from the computer or video card manufacturer, an
not from MS updates. That is the best and most reliable way to receiv
up to date drivers. Often WU scans your sytem and THINKS it ca
correctly identify hardware, when frequently it identifies it wrong.
would not call this a Vista only issue, so don't blame Vista. And don'
blame yourself either... many people would do the same thing and just g
down the list and select every update, assuming it is for the best.
hope you get it straightened out, but the best thing to do may be t
contact PowerSpec directly if you are not comfortable moving ahead wit
the info found on their website

--
bad_the_ba

Chris,
I'm going to take a different tack to your problem.

+++++++++++++++
RtClk on desktop » Personalize » Display Settings » move Resolution slider
to desired resolution » OK

In the Task Pane of the Personalization window, choose Adjust Font Size
(DPI) and choose the desired DPI. OK button.

karl
"Chris" <> wrote in message
news:ACBBFC86-31AE-45E4-9063-...
> BACKGROUND:
>
> I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.
>
> EQUIPMENT:
>
> I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
> current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting to be
> installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following
> problem).
>
> I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.
>
> My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is an
> Acer
> 17� wide.
>
> All of this was purchased about four months ago.
>
> PROBLEM:
>
> On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS updates
> (I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:
>
> * Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)
>
> * Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition
> 1.33.9770.6)
>
> My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.
>
> At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than before.
> My
> gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of round it
> was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word Arial
> font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did before I
> had
> to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial Narrow).
> My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many other
> changes also occurred.
>
> My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and
> appearances
> like they were before.
>
> WHAT I’VE TRIED:
>
> I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings. Nothing
> seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round, but
> not
> like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
> problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like the
> letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in their
> email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.
>
> I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out how to
> do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this
> date�
> function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.
>
> I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling with
> the display settings.
>
> One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video
> driver.
> I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and
> install
> that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings in
> "Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting the
> hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then press
> scan
> for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�
>
> But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
> something like this, whatever it is.
>
> I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS
> obviously
> caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product code,
> so
> apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.
>
> I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the same
> kind
> of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.
>
> I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it was
> before, and need help doing that.
>
> Thanks for your consideration.
>
>
> --
> Chris

step 1: reformat your hard disk drives after you back-up data.
step 2: reinstal your orginal copy of vista to the system.
step 3: restore data. may you got like it was before.
the last, you wont do the same mistake again.

novri tampubolon - jkt - indonesia

"Colin Barnhorst" <> wrote in message
news:A3992497-4C42-4CBC-98AD-...
> Hardware updates are labled Optional, not "important". Uninstall the
> update and leave things alone since it caused you a problem. Once you
> know an update is not right for your system you should hide or just ignore
> it. The "important" update was just the Defender update.
>
> "Chris" <> wrote in message
> news:E0084ADE-5698-4C07-9A06-...
>> Thank you, Mick.
>>
>> I honestly don't know (and previously didn't really care) what I was
>> installing. I assumed that if an update came from MS and was labeled
>> important that I should install it. And I don't know enough, or have
>> enough
>> time, to figure out what the installation is - I just want to have a
>> reliable
>> computer / system that I can use everyday.
>>
>> Your comments seem helpful, so I will try to do what you suggest.
>>
>> But, first, when I start messing with this stuff, uninstalling, and the
>> like, am I putting myself at risk of crashing my whole system, or getting
>> involved in untold hours of time?
>>
>> Thanks for taking the time to respond.
>> --
>> Chris
>>
>>
>> "Mick Murphy" wrote:
>>
>>> It sounds like you installed a Video Card Driver from Windows Updates.
>>> Never install 3rd party hardware Drivers from WU.
>>>
>>> Go to either your Computer's, Graphic Card's or Motherboard
>>> Manufacturer's
>>> manufacturer's website and download the latest Graphics/Video Driver
>>> from
>>> there, not MS!
>>>
>>> Also, you can uninstall the offending updates, and when they appear for
>>> install
>>> again>Right-Click> Hide.
>>>
>>> And there is always System Restore.
>>> Start>Programs>Accessories>SystemTools>System Restore.
>>> --
>>> Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia
>>>
>>>
>>> "Chris" wrote:
>>>
>>> > BACKGROUND:
>>> >
>>> > I am only a user, and do not have technical knowledge.
>>> >
>>> > EQUIPMENT:
>>> >
>>> > I have MS Vista Basic Home Edition with service pack 1 and all updates
>>> > current up to 6-1-2008 (there are today 6-4-2008 two updates waiting
>>> > to be
>>> > installed, but now I am afraid to install them due to the following
>>> > problem).
>>> >
>>> > I have MS Office Home and Student 2007.
>>> >
>>> > My computer is a PowerSpec 32-bit with 2 GB of RAM and my monitor is
>>> > an Acer
>>> > 17� wide.
>>> >
>>> > All of this was purchased about four months ago.
>>> >
>>> > PROBLEM:
>>> >
>>> > On 6-1-2008, when I turned on my computer I was notified of two MS
>>> > updates
>>> > (I do not use automatic updating), and installed them:
>>> >
>>> > * Update for Windows Vista (KB947562)
>>> >
>>> > * Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition
>>> > 1.33.9770.6)
>>> >
>>> > My computer installed and then automatically shut down and re-started.
>>> >
>>> > At this point all my fonts, icon sizes, etc were different than
>>> > before. My
>>> > gadget clock, for example, was larger than before, and instead of
>>> > round it
>>> > was an oval, like something was squishing it from the top. My Word
>>> > Arial
>>> > font, for example, was “wider� and to get it to look like it did
>>> > before I had
>>> > to change to Arial Narrow (but I don’t want my documents in Arial
>>> > Narrow).
>>> > My email font (characters) were also different than before. Many
>>> > other
>>> > changes also occurred.
>>> >
>>> > My problem is, or the outcome I want is, to have my settings and
>>> > appearances
>>> > like they were before.
>>> >
>>> > WHAT I’VE TRIED:
>>> >
>>> > I’ve spent about two hours trying to change my display settings.
>>> > Nothing
>>> > seems to work. For example, I can get my gadget clock almost round,
>>> > but not
>>> > like before. I can’t even begin to figure out how to correct the font
>>> > problem. All my email fonts look strange, and are hard to read, like
>>> > the
>>> > letters aren’t completely filled in. The words that Yahoo uses in
>>> > their
>>> > email forms are now bold and I can’t unbold them.
>>> >
>>> > I’ve tried to restore to a date before 6-1-08, but can’t figure out
>>> > how to
>>> > do it. Apparently in XP there was some kind of “return to before this
>>> > date�
>>> > function but this doesn’t seem to be available with Vista.
>>> >
>>> > I’ve asked for help on a local email group, and most said try fooling
>>> > with
>>> > the display settings.
>>> >
>>> > One person said, “It sounds like the updates crapped out your video
>>> > driver.
>>> > I would check your PC makers website for an updated video driver and
>>> > install
>>> > that. Then I would play with the resolution in your display settings
>>> > in
>>> > "Control Panel". If these aren't the issue then I might try deleting
>>> > the
>>> > hardware (found under Display Adapter in Device Manager) and then
>>> > press scan
>>> > for new hardware. This may require a reboot.�
>>> >
>>> > But I don’t know what this means and would feel afraid to try to do
>>> > something like this, whatever it is.
>>> >
>>> > I tried to get into MS’s 90-day free help thing on-line (since MS
>>> > obviously
>>> > caused this problem) but they aren’t recognizing my 20-digit product
>>> > code, so
>>> > apparently they’re not going to fix this for free.
>>> >
>>> > I searched this MS community and somehow found a posting about the
>>> > same kind
>>> > of problem also dated 6-1-2008, but can’t find it now.
>>> >
>>> > I apologize if this is redundant, but I just want to go back like it
>>> > was
>>> > before, and need help doing that.
>>> >
>>> > Thanks for your consideration.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Chris
>