Blurry Games On Windows 7 Professional

[LaughingGravy]

We have bought a reconditioned laptop for the sole purpose of putting games on for my mum. I have downloaded these but they are so blurred.
The resolution is 1280/800 (whatever this means !!) Is there any way we can solve this pls ?

[Buenchico]

Try a different screen resolution. Somewhat oddly, lowering screen resolution can sometimes result in a better picture.

Right-click on the desktop and select 'Screen resolution'. Move the slider a bit, click 'Apply' (and then 'OK' if needed) and see what happens. (NB: The screen will probably go completely blank for a few seconds. Don't worry; it's normal!)

[Ninefingers]

If they are modern games they may no longer be optimised for Windows 7 in which case it's unlikely an issue with resolution. Some games I've seen demand windows 8.1 minimum because of the huge architectural differences with Windows 10 and all it's forerunners

[Buenchico]

^^^ Yes, it would help to know which games you're referring to.

[Togo]

Hard to answer without graphics card details and the game requirements.

1)    Right Click on the shortcut icon of the games, click on Properties.
2)    Under the shortcut tab, go to run .
3)    From the dropdown list, select Maximize .
4)    Click apply to apply the setting.
5)    Click Ok to confirm the change.
Also, I would suggest you to try by changing the hardware acceleration, the following are the steps to change hardware acceleration.
1.       Go to Start > Control Panel
2.       In control panel window, click on Appearance and Personalization
3.       Click on Personalization > Display Settings, and then click Advanced Settings.
4.       Go to Troubleshoot tab, and then click Change Settings.
         Note: Change Settings will be disabled if the graphics card drivers do not support disabling hardware acceleration.
5.       Move the Hardware Acceleration slider until it is one notch to the right of None. This is the basic acceleration setting.
6.       Click OK twice, and then close the window.

[Togo]

The resolution that seems to be a favourite for you problem is 1024 x 600, but you may not have a full screen. ie the sides are reduced.

[LaughingGravy]

Thank you everyone, before I had chance to implement anything I had a message up, it says ' Hardware acceleration is either disabled or not supported by your video card driver. Not a clue :(

[Buenchico]

Many (probably most) video games require a computer to have a dedicated graphics card installed (rather than just 'onboard graphics' as comes with a basic computer). Very few laptops have graphics cards as they're generally intended for business use, rather than for playing games. So I doubt that you can enable hardware acceleration on your laptop.

To check, right-click on your desktop and select 'Personalise'. Click Display > Change Display Settings > Advanced Settings > Troubleshoot. At that stage you should be hoping to find an 'active' button labelled 'Change Settings' but I've got a nasty feeling that you'll find it's greyed out, meaning that there's nothing you can do about the problem.

You might still be able to find some games which don't require graphics acceleration though. What type of games are you seeking?

[Togo]

the following are the steps to change hardware acceleration.
1.       Go to Start > Control Panel
2.       In control panel window, click on Appearance and Personalization
3.       Click on Personalization > Display Settings, and then click

From my earlier post.

[Togo]

This followed.

        Note: Change Settings will be disabled if the graphics card drivers do not support disabling hardware acceleration.
5.       Move the Hardware Acceleration slider until it is one notch to the right of None. This is the basic acceleration setting.
6.       Click OK twice, and then close the window.

[LaughingGravy]

Buenchico and Togo, I have followed your instructions and the screen is now full instead of gaps at the side but is still blurred.
The games are spider solitaire and mahjong (I got these by 'turn Windows features/programmes on/off' so I haven't actually put anything on that wasn't already there have I ?

[Togo]

Graphics card would be my diagnosis Lagra without hands on inspection.

[LaughingGravy]

What does that mean Togo ? Can it be resolved ? TY btw

[Togo]

Yes Lagra a new graphics card is not a big deal , but again you need to trust the supplier and a bit of tech knowledge helps. Have oght of taking it back to where you got it and letting them own the problem?
The graphics card is paramount, after the processor, in enabling video and game sequences to play smoothly and clearly.

[LaughingGravy]

Togo, is there any way I can find out what card is in there ? If I can't resolve this I will have to send this laptop back unfortunately

[Togo]

Well you could search the laptop manufactures website and give the mode. This would reveal the spec and make of the graphics card.

[Togo]

Or I you can do this.

1 Click "Start," right-click "Computer" and select "Properties."
2 Click the "Device Manager" option on the left side of the window.
3 Expand the "Display Adapters" option by clicking the ">" sign next to it. The name of the graphics card will be displayed under it.

[LaughingGravy]

Will it be a Usbccid smart card reader ?

[1ozzy]

//Will it be a Usbccid smart card reader ?//

No, that reads an external card which you insert into one of the slots on your laptop.

Your best solution would be take it back to where you bought it and show them the problem, if they can't fix it return it.

[1ozzy]

Simple games such as solitaire and mahjong should not require a dedicated video card.