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[no one special]

For some reason, the entire monitor on my laptop is not being used.  It's basically like the desktop doesn't take up the whole screen.  There's a bunch of unused screen around the entire desktop, as if the desktop is 800x600 but the screen resolution is 1024x768.  

Does that make any sense?  

Also, when I check the screen resolution to try to change it, the computer seems to be set up for multiple monitors.  Which makes no sense to me, because it's a laptop.

I got this laptop from a friend of mine who got a better one.  This is the main problem it's got, but there are a couple others too - I've been tempted to just to a complete wipe and re-initialize the hard drive, but I'm also thinking that might be overkill....


Any ideas?  Thanks in advance!  

[mberan42]

Complete wipe & re-install is never overkill.

There's probably an option somewhere (I don't have a laptop but have futzed around with plenty at work for various projects) that allows you you select the actual input/output and screen variable stuff. Most likely it's in the screen properties. Otherwise, there are some function buttons on the keyboard, probably, that change settings.

If not, I'm fresh outta ideas.

Cheers.

[messeduplilkid]

I'm not computer savvy, but could this be a driver problem?

[osaki]

mmm, at best guess this laptop was set up for multiple monitors because the person had a desktop monitor to use in addition to their laptop screen. this monitor, however, was of a resolution that does not fit your screen (800x600). The easy fix for this is to enter your "display" control panel and turn off the multiple monitors checkbox.

[Mnementh]

What OS?  What sort of graphics does the machine have?

[dizzy]

if it was the same as mine, there is two options.
A: set the computer to the same res as the laptop screen
B: set the computer to a setting called wrap screen.

[Sweetlogan]

I highly suggest you look at drivers first.  What you are explaining sounds similar to what I am thinking, which is a lack of proper driver.  (if your monitor was 15 inches, the space being used is actually like 8 inches)
I've had the problem before, and my friend who just formatted had the problem.  He resolved it by finding the proper drivers.

Edit:  I went back and re-read what you said... If it is set to multiple monitors, and you cannot change that, make sure they are set to clone, and both are the same resolution.  (Your laptop may be set to secondary monitor and you are changing resolution for the primary or vise versa.)