My DOS programs have been displaying too dark in certain areas. I don't know why this is happening, but it has been for quite a while, and I'm trying to fix it. I already tried reinstalling the display drivers, but that didn't work, and I also told Compaq about the problem and they directed me to where I could download this thing called a "softpaq" or something like that, and I downloaded and installed that, but I think it was just my same display drivers that I already have. I tried it, though, but it didn't work either. I also tried changing the gamma settings in Windows, but it seemed to have no effect. I then turned the gamma all the way up in Windows to see if it was changing anything in the DOS programs, and while everything within Windows was very bright, still there was no change in the DOS programs. I tried viewing them in pure DOS and also while still in Windows, and there was no change even when Windows was still running. My guess is that DOS has its own brightness settings separate from Windows. Does anyone know how to change the brightness settings in DOS so that it will affect DOS programs?

DOS doesn't really have settings like that, and Windows settings are not carried over into DOS either. Generally, visual effects in DOS (if possible) are performed from within the individual applications - anything else would be a function of the monitor. SciTech has a DOS Vesa driver in its Display Doctor package, but I doubt if it would do what you are seeking Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

Thank you for responding, Jboy. I know I don't need that SciTech Display Doctor thing 'cause everything always used to work just fine on this computer without that. This computer is new enough that it doesn't need that. It already has all that VESA stuff. I did try adjusting the monitor, thinking maybe someone had stupidly fooled with the settings and messed it up, but I can't seem to get anything changed on it. It's a Compaq Presario MV500 monitor. I don't know if that helps. Does anyone know about this monitor and how to adjust the settings on it? 'Cause that's what I would really like to be able to do since I think that would affect everything displayed on it whether it's in DOS or Windows. Actually, if anyone knows how to set this monitor back to the factory defaults, that's what I'd really like to know how to do. I mean, the only thing I can think of is that someone must have messed with it, 'cause I never used to have any problems with it before, and the DOS programs that have some stuff displaying too dark didn't have that problem before. It's four different, unrelated programs too, so I know it's not just something wrong with one of the programs. Anyway, if anyone can help me with this, I would really, really appreciate it. ....I don't know what else to do...

I don't know - it may be a sign of an impending problem with either the monitor or the vidcard - maybe the hardware forum can advise. Possibly you can test your display card with a manufacturer's utility. There are a few Win9x monitor testing utilities here - I've used the NEC & Nokia ones, they might be helpful. With DOS, video is pretty basic since no drivers are normally needed for the prompt. DOS applications can be quite variable, depending on what video mode they use - for the mostpart, adjustments (if possible) have to be made from within the specific application or game - or from the monitor controls. Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

My grandparents have that same moniter and have the same problem, the moniter has problem with dos applications, and some windows full-screen games, ie starcraft when set to normal brightness. (in my case, epic pinball) Sorry to say that the only way to fix it is to get a new moniter. (mabey try to change the tube?) Tell me if you have any luck.

"Change the tube"? Brilliant! Oh, wait - no, it's not. Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

But if it's a problem with the monitor, why does it only happen in DOS programs and in full-screen games in Windows? I forgot to mention that that was happening with me too, like in the Sega Genesis emulator Gens and I think also in that game Diablo for the PC, which are the only two game things I play in Windows. But, I mean, if it's a problem with the monitor and only the monitor, wouldn't it be having this problem with *everything* it displays? ....I don't get it...