In Windows, how do I restore my display settings after they have been changed and my display is illegible?

To change the display settings in Windows after they have been changed, and to make the display legible, follow the appropriate steps below:

Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, or XP

To change your display back to its original configuration, you need to reboot in Safe Mode. To boot in Safe Mode and reset the display, follow the steps below:

1. While your computer is booting, follow the appropriate instructions for your version of Windows:
   
   
   • In Windows 2000 and XP, when the Power On Self Test is complete (after the first time you hear the computer beep), press and hold the F8 key.
   • In Windows 98 and Me, when the Power On Self Test is complete (after the first time you hear the computer beep), press and hold the Ctrl key.
   • In Windows 95, press and hold the F8 key after "Starting Windows 95" appears on a black background.
   
   
2. Select the option to boot in Safe Mode.
   
   
3. Once in Safe Mode, go to the display settings by right-clicking the desktop and then clicking the Settings tab. Then you can change the display settings back to the original configuration.
   
   
4. To restore the correct settings, shut down and restart the computer by clicking Start and selecting Shut Down, then Restart, then OK.

Windows NT 4.0

To change your display back to its original configuration, you need to reboot in VGA Mode. Follow the steps below:

1. Turn on your computer.
   
   
2. Select the option to boot in VGA Mode.
   
   
3. Once in VGA Mode, log into the local computer.
   
   
4. Right-click the desktop and click the Settings tab. Change the display settings back to the original configuration.
   
   
5. To restore the correct settings, shut down and restart the computer by clicking Start and selecting Shut Down, then Restart, then OK.
   
   
6. After the computer restarts, choose the Normal Mode, not the VGA Mode.

Also see:

• How do I change the colors of my Windows desktop and applications?
• In Windows 2000 or XP, why can't I get more than 16 or 256 colors for my display color settings?