Occasionally you use the secure mode for system configuration, in XP Home for example, for the allocation of access privileges. The lower default resolution is a nuisance, where some dialogs are difficult to use.

In secure mode, Windows starts without other drivers to avoid conflict between these. The lower resolution results from this. Windows does not react to the slider in the dialog for adjustment of the resolution in secure mode.

To enlarge the desktop click the right mouse button on the desktop and select 'Properties' from the context menu. In the following dialog change to the tab 'Settings' and click on 'Advanced' - a new window opens up. Navigate to the tab 'Graphics Adapter', click on 'List All Modes' and select one of the accessible resolutions. Then confirm all dialog windows with 'OK'. Windows now changes to the higher resolution. It also retains this during a restart in secure mode.