Dialog Box Display Problem

Question

I have had this issue for several months -

When I go to print something from any of my 6 printers (this is a business)

I can only read 3/4 of the dialog box and the fonts look odd. I am able to sort of work around this

issue but it is becoming increasingly annoying to deal with when choosing options in my advanced printer control panel.

It also sometimes is an issue when downloading new software where only most of the screen is able to be seen.

I have searched this problem out seemingly everywhere.

I have found other boards where the user had the exact same problem and no solutions were found and/or given.

I found this same problem in a search on these boards and the response was screen resolution.
I can assure you it is absolutely not screen resolution.

It is also not a printer driver problem at all.

I have had this problem since removing seemingly "useless" fonts from my PC.

It has been this way since then - far too coincidental.

Someone - somewhere must be having a similar problem and have the solution - thanks in advance for any help.

retep2 · Answer

I have exactly the same problem with the same likely cause.I have managed to sort out an acceptable workaround which will let you access the printer controls.I HAVE TRIED TO POST IT TWICE with no success--I type slow & I think it times out on me.email me at nixonp@talk21.com if you want to know how to do it.

PSource · Answer

I appreciate the response - if you have time, type the response out in wordpad, then log in cut and paste the response and you won't time out. thank you-

retep2 · Answer

Have done some more research since my last post so I now know the problem.The files deleted were windows system files which govern the font size in dialog boxes.In my case the files were seriff.fon,sseriff.fon,serife.fon,sserife.fon.I suspect that the files you deleted may be the same.Restoration of these from an xp installation disc or a copy from another pc should solve the problem.The way to do this is not something I have explored yet.I dont have an installation disc so that option isnt open to me.

The workaround is as follows.

Right click desktop--properties-settings--advanced.This will show your screen dpi-probably 92.Use dropdown to select custom setting.Set to 150%--ie 144dpi.A warning box will show with a file name that cannot be found.Click cancel.A box will ask if you want to proceed without this file.Click yes.This may occur for every file that cant be found--make a note of them,these are the files that need to be restored. Accept & apply as required. The sceen will resize.Every thing will be big & spaced out but you should now be able to access the printer control buttons.

Next step is to try to make everything look normal size again.Click desktop--properties--appearance--advanced.A dropdown will let you change various settings.CAUTION--only change one thing at a time and keep a note of the before/after setting so you can go back. It is helpfull to keep a window open while you do this--something like control panel so that you can see the settings change in real time.It is very much trial & error but you can get most things to look fairly normal.Your dialog boxes will remain large & readable.

Hope this helps.Let me know your progress.I am now going to try to find a way to restore the missing files.If you manage it before me let me know how.

PSource · Answer

Hello - thanks again for you help! I tried the settings trick and that didn't work - but I still think you are onto something with the fonts. I have to locate the XP disk - and I can't seem to find the fonts online anywhere.   Just making it clear for anyone who can help - here is a screenshot of what the problem looks like.   http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3401382   HTH and thanks for any further info. anyone can give me. :smileyhappy:

retep2 · Answer

UPDATE.problem fixed.The files I needed were--MS SERIF 8,10,12,14,18,24 & MS SANS SERIF 8,10,12,14,18,24.When I added these to my fonts list the problem disappeared.I got the fonts from another pc which actually was on windows 98.If you can get access to another pc--open the fonts file as a detailed list.The system fonts have a red icon so they are easily spotted.Copy & paste them to my documents & then copy them to a memory stick or cd. Then open the font file on the faulty pc and choose add fonts.Copy them across.I GOT AN ERROR MESSAGE BUT THEY STILL APPEARED IN THE LIST.Fault instantly resolved. I am assuming that the fonts you are missing are the same ones as mine.If not it might be worth trying to transfer all fonts with a red icon.Wish you luck.You are definitely on the right track.I would never have sussed it only for the fact that you had mentioned the fonts deletion & it rang a bell. Thanks.

PSource · Answer

A TRILLION Thank Yous!   I cannot believe it - a six-month long exasperating situation and it is FIXED! I grabbed the font from my other PC and voila! This just made my whole day and I can't wait to show the boss - who will be delighted!   One small simple font - who knew?!   Again - thank you so very very much! :smileyvery-happy:

retep2 · Answer

Glad it's sorted yours as well.Regards.

Windows General

Dialog Box Display Problem

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