The Dr. Bill Takeshita Foundation

Last Modified: Sun, 12 Aug 2007

How to Customize Your WindowsXP Computer

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Click Start, Programs, and select Accessories.
3. Click Accessibility Wizard. Do not select Magnifier. Click Next
4. Select the size of the text that is easiest to see by clicking on the smallest text you are able to see. Click Next.
5. Check the boxes that state “Change the Font Size” and the box “Switch to a Lower Resolution.” By lowering the resolution, the size of the fonts will become larger.
6. Click box “I am blind or have difficulty seeing things on screen.” Click Next.
7. Select the size of the Scroll Bar and Window Borders. Click Next
8. Select the size of the Icon you wish to have on your screen. Click Next
9. Choose the best Display Color Settings. Go to the Scheme box and select the best color scheme for you. High contrast black and High contrast white are often the most helpful for patients with low vision.. Click Next
10. Select the Mouse Cursor size and color. Click Next.
11. Select he Blink Rate and Width of the Cursor. A wider cursor is helpful when typing documents. Click Next.
12. Click Finish. Your computer will now display all screens in the style that you programmed. Congratulations.

Change the Appearance of Internet Settings

If you want your new settings to be displayed on the Internet, perform the following:

1. Click Start, click Internet
2. Look for File, Edit… and Click Tools. Click Internet Options and press enter
3. Click the Accessibility Box.
4. Check the boxes “Ignore Colors, Ignore Font Styles, Ignore Font sizes..”

Customize Other Settings on Your Screen

Windows XP allows you to customize your Desktop background, Screen Saver, Appearance, and Settings by going to the Display Properties Screen.

1. Click Start. Click Control Panel. Click Display
2. Choose the Tab that describes what you want to modify.
3. Click Desktop and select the color of the wallpaper you prefer on your Desktop.
4. Click Screensaver Tab and select NONE. Many low vision programs work better without screensavers.
5. Click Settings to change the resolution of the monitor. The lower the resolution, the LARGER the fonts and text. Move the slider to the very left if you want maximum magnification.
6. Click Appearance to customize the color combinations of your screen.. Go to the Style Box and select Windows Classic. This provides more options to modify the colors. Click Color Scheme and select your favorite colors. Then, click Font Size and select normal, large or extra large.
7. When finished, click Apply and then click OK.