Cleartype on W2K

Is this possible, or is there an alternative?

[steve]

We have a machine running Windows2000 which isn't connected to the internet and does nothing but run our accounts software. Yesterday the monitor went bang, so we replaced it with a nice new 19" LCD panel.

Even at its native resolution, text looks horrible.

The OS is fast and stable, and I don't really want to update to XP half way through our accounting year, so is there a way to get cleartype to work, or does anyone know of an alternative?

[mattur]

On w2k you can check "Smooth Edges of Screen Fonts" in display properties. HTH.

[kaled]

It's not possible to do something like copy a DLL across from XP so, basically, the answer is NO.

You could try adjusting the resolution of your monitor. That will blurr the whole image slightly and give you a smaller effective desktop area (in terms of pixels) but it can look ok.

Kaled.

[steve]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I've turned the edge smoothing on and off, it makes very little difference :-(

Changing the resolution didn't really help much either, plus the person who uses it has already decided they like the fact they don't have to scroll side to side any more!

I know the panel isn't faulty because I've just swapped it with an identical one on a machine running XP with cleartype enabled.

Does anyone know of any 3rd party software which will add smooth fonts to Win2K?

[jtara]

Lack of ClearType may not be your problem.

(1) Make sure you are running your LCD panel in it's native resolution. If you are just upgrading from a CRT, you may not realize how important this is. If you want big letters, don't run it in a lower resolution - run it full-resolution and adjust your fonts.

(2) Make sure you have good cables. Analog cables are susceptable to "ghosting". If you see horizontal ghosting, get a better cable, or go to a DVI connection.

(3) Use fonts that are designed for on-screen use. The Lucida series is good.