Can't see certain menus 1

[jasonsas]

Hi,

A user here has a problem that started a couple of weeks ago on this laptop. The laptop is connected to a lcd monitor also.

When he goes into the Start menu, it only shows the outline of the menu, but not the menu itself. (I have a screenshot of what it looks like, but I'm unable to upload it anywhere. IF anyone can help me out with that, I can show them what I mean)

This problem also shows with Microsoft Office menus (Eg, Excel, Word etc), but not any other menus. We have tried changing resolution, disconnecting the laptop from the monitor, logging in as different users, all to no avail!!

If someone could please help, that would be great.

Thanks,

 

[stduc]

You can upload your screenshot here.

http://www.imagevenue.com/

Have you tried changing to classic view, or changing the number of colours? Change the theme etc etc - go into advanced on the screen menu and see what happens if you play around. But keep a note of what you do.

But my best guess is that the refresh rate or DPI is incorrect. Try changing those. OR - somehow the wrong video driver is in use - check that and check it's up to date.

My last guess is that the video card is failing.

[navy]When I married "Miss Right" I didn't realise her first name was 'always'. LOL[/navy]

 

[jasonsas]

Hi stduc,

Please find screenshot attached. I've "circled" the outline of the start menu in the screenshot so that you can see the outline.

I will try video card driver, but it seems strange that it's happening to the Start menu and Office menus, but not to menu's in other programs.

See link to picture below:

http://img28.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36038_screenshot_122_222lo.JPG

Thanks

 

[stduc]

That vertical black line is the start menu?

I've never seen anything like that. Try removing the background (set to a single colour) and see what happens if you switch to classic view. The current theme may be corrupt in some way.

Sorry but that's all I can think of.

[navy]When I married "Miss Right" I didn't realise her first name was 'always'. LOL[/navy]

 

[Rick998]

Try configuring the laptop for 'Performance' and turning off the 'Themes' service.

1) Start > Run > enter 'sysdm.cpl' > choose 'Advanced' tab > click on 'Settings' button in the 'Performance' area at the top > select 'Adjust for best performance' option > click on 'Apply' then 'OK' buttons.

2) Start > Run > enter 'services.msc' > scroll to 'Themes' > right-click and choose 'Stop' > right-click and choose 'Properties' > use dropdown list to change 'Startup type:' to 'Disabled' > click on 'Apply' then 'OK' buttons.

These changes should be dynamic but I suggest you reboot anyway. Does this restore the 'Start' and 'MS Office' menu functionality?

Hope this helps...

 

[jasonsas]

Thankyou so much Rick998, your suggestions worked. IN particular, it was the Performance option that actually did the trick.

The user is very relieved!!