How to Fix a Laptop's Image Quality

Downloading certain software, such as gaming applications, can cause changes to a laptop's image quality. When a laptop's monitor screen darkens or the resolution settings get changed, images become distorted and hard to see. However, most image quality problems can be fixed quickly and easily with a few troubling shooting tips.

Instructions

Brightness

1. Turn the laptop on and hold down the "Fn" key on the laptop's keyboard.

2. Tap the arrow key that has a picture of an open sun to make the laptop screen brighter. The laptop will automatically save the adjustments after you release the "Fn" key.

3. Tap the arrow key that has a picture of a filled-in sun to make the laptop screen darker. The laptop will automatically save the adjustments after you release the "Fn" key.

Screen Resolution

1. Click the "Start" menu. Click "Settings" and "Control Panel."

2. Choose "Display" and "Settings" in Windows 98, ME or XP. In Windows Vista, click "Appearance" and "Adjust Screen Resolution."

3. Click on the resolution bar and slide it to the right to lower the screen's resolution and to the left to raise the screen's resolution. The optimum screen resolution usually depends on the size of the laptop screen. The recommended resolution for a 15-inch screen is 1024 x 768, 17- to 19-inch screen is 1280 x 1024, and 20-inch screens is 1600 x 1200. However, you can adjust the resolution to your personal preference.

4. Click ""Apply to see how the resolution looks on the laptop's monitor.

5. Click "OK" to save the resolution settings.

Color Setting

1. Click the "Start" menu. Click "Settings" and "Control Panel."

2. Choose "Display" and "Settings" in Windows 98, ME or XP. In Windows Vista, click "Appearance" and "Adjust Screen Resolution."

3. Click "Colors." Choose 32-bit for a high color-pixel ratio that will make the colors brighter and bring out image details. Choose 24-bit for a medium color-pixel ratio if the screen is too bright or if images are somewhat distorted. Some older laptops have a 16-bit color setting, but this setting is no longer recommended as it will distort images and text.

4. Click "Apply" to see how the color setting looks on the laptop's monitor.

5. Click "OK" to save the color settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Laptop monitors are very sensitive to sunlight, which makes images appear washed out. Before changing your laptop's monitor settings, first try adjusting the angle of the monitor screen to see if that fixes the problem.