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.