How To Degauss the Monitor

It may be necessary to degauss a monitor to improve the color around the edges of the screen. This kind of discoloration is caused by magnetic interference around the monitor.

Here’s How:

1. Most monitors will degauss automatically when turned on so as a first option, power off and then on your monitor. If the discoloration does not improve, continue to the next step.

Note: Degaussing makes a twang sound and is often followed by a short click sound. If you don’t hear these sounds, the monitor probably does not automatically degauss when powered on.

2. In the rare case the monitor does not automatically degauss, locate the degauss button on the front of the monitor. The button will most likely be accompanied by a picture similar to a horseshoe.Some monitors do not have a single button but instead require the simultaneous pressing of multiple buttons, such as the brightness and contrast buttons.
3. Often times the degauss option will be buried in the on-screen menu options. Scroll through these options to locate the degauss option or consult the monitor’s manual for more information.

Tips:

1. To prevent the magnetic field disturbances that cause the discoloration on the monitor, check around the monitor for sources of magnetism. This might include unshielded speakers, power sources, and of course magnets.
2. Monitors without a CRT, such as LCD monitors, do not require degaussing.

How To Troubleshoot Color Issues

Are the colors “off” on the screen? Do you have problems with images being too dark or too bright? There a number of different reasons why your monitor may not be representing color properly.

Here’s How:

1. Check the cable between the monitor and the computer to make sure it is secure. Each end should be tightly fastened.
2. Degauss the monitor. This will often help correct discoloration issues near the edges of the screen.
3. Reference the monitor manufacturer’s instructions to adjust the brightness and contrast settings. If available, you may also need to adjust the color balance and temperature settings.
4. Adjust the color quality setting for the video card. This will often help resolve issues where the colors, especially in photos, appear incorrect.
5. If you have access to another monitor, try it in place of the one with the color issues. If the problem goes away replace the monitor. If the problem duplicates on the new monitor there is most likely an issue with the video card.

Windows XP : How To Change the Refresh Rate Setting

Adjusting the refresh rate setting may be necessary to resolve screen flicker and other unstable display issues on monitors and other output devices like projectors.

Here’s How:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel in Microsoft Windows by left-clicking on Start, followed by Settings and then choosing Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, open Display.

   Note: Depending on how your operating system is setup, you may not see the Display icon. To correct this, click on the link on the left-hand side of the Control Panel window that says Switch to Classic View.

3. In the Display Properties window, click on the Settings tab.
4. Toward the bottom of this window, click on the Advanced button.
5. In the resulting window, which may or may not be titled Plug and Play Monitor…, click on the Monitor tab.
6. Locate the Screen refresh rate drop down box in the middle of the window. Under most circumstances, the best choice is the highest rate available. Depending on your issue though, the rate may need to be lowered.

   Note: It is always recommended to keep the Hide modes that this monitor cannot display checkbox checked. Choosing refresh rates outside this range could damage hardware.

7. Click the OK or Apply button to confirm the changes. If prompted, follow any additional on screen directions.

How To Adjust the Colors Display Setting in Windows Vista

Adjusting the colors display setting in Windows Vista may be necessary to resolve color issues on monitors and other output devices like projectors.

Here’s How :

1. Click on Start and then Control Panel.Tip: In a hurry? Type personalization in the search box after clicking Start. Choose Personalization from the list of results and then skip to Step 5.
2. Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.Note: If you’re viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won’t see this link. Simply double-click on the Personalization icon and proceed to Step 5.
3. Click on the Personalization link.
4. Click on the Display Settings link.
5. Locate the Colors drop down box on the right-hand side of the window. Under most circumstances, the best choice is the highest “bit” available. Generally, this will be the Highest (32 bit) option.Note: Some types of software require the colors display setting to be set at a lower rate than suggested above. If you receive errors when opening certain software titles be sure to make any changes here as necessary.
6. Click the OK button to confirm the changes. If prompted, follow any additional on screen directions.

How To Adjust the Color Quality Setting in Windows XP

Adjusting the color quality setting in Windows XP may be necessary to resolve issues with the color display on monitors and other output devices like projectors.

Here’s How:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel by left-clicking on Start, followed by Settings and then choosing Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, open Display.

   Note: Depending on how Windows XP is setup on your system, you may not see the Display icon. To correct this, click on the link on the left-hand side of the Control Panel window that says Switch to Classic View.

3. In the Display Properties window, click on the Settings tab.
4. Locate the Color quality drop down box on the right-hand side of the window. Under most circumstances, the best choice is the highest “bit” available. Generally, this will be the Highest (32 bit) option.

   Note: Some types of software require the color quality settings to be set at a lower rate than suggested above. If you receive errors when opening certain software titles be sure to make any changes here as necessary.

5. Click the OK or Apply button to confirm the changes. If prompted, follow any additional on screen directions.