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Microsoft Expression Web 4 on High Resolution Windows 10
This fix is no longer necessary in the latest version of Windows 10. It can now be easily done.
1. Open
File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the ExpressionWeb.exe file.
Most likely: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Expression\Web 4
2. Right
click ExpressionWeb.exe and select Properties.
3. Go to
the Compatibility tab and select Change high DPI settings.
4. Check
the Override high DPI scaling behavior box and below it select "System" from the
list.
5.
Select OK then Apply.
EW4 Should work better from now on.
I purchased a Lenovo Y700 computer and opted for the ultra high resolution graphics (3840x2160) option. Little did I know at the time that it would cause me problems with older programs that I needed. On most of these programs I have found newer versions or other workarounds that let me enjoy the high res graphics. One program I never could get to act right was Expression Web 4 which I had used to create several websites including this one. The problem was the layout engine. In design mode I was getting a tiny screen. If I ran the program in a lower resolution I would get giant menus unless I reduced the DPI scaling in Windows 10 along with the resolution change. I couldn't find a combination that worked without kludging through various steps to reset the graphics parameters on the computer.
I have discovered a fix! Since I never found one on the web I decided to post it here. The fix is to tell Expression Web 4 to be DPI Unaware using Microsoft's 32bit Compatibility Administrator.
1. Download the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit Microsoft has apparently discontinued the old link. I found this: "The Application Compatibility Toolkit for Windows 10 is shipping with the Windows 10 ADK: http://blogs.technet.com/b/yongrhee/archive/2015/08/11/download-windows-10-assessment-and-deployment-kit-adk.aspx " so I assume you now download the ADK to get the ACT. They were more or less combined in the Win 10 version anyway.
2. Install the ADK. I opted to only install the compatibility administrator tool.
3. Once installed, run the Compatibility Administrator (32 bit) version.
4. In the left frame you will see Custom Databases. Expand it if it isn't already and you will see New Database(1). Right Click and select Create New > Application Fix.
5. Program Name: Microsoft Expression Web 4 Vendor: Microsoft Program File Location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Expression\Web 4\ExpressionWeb.exe NOTE that the file location may be different on your computer. Mine is set up pretty standard with Windows on the C: drive. PRESS Next.
6. Nothing needs changing on this first screen so press Next again.
7. Scroll down and find DPIUnaware. Check the box beside it. Test run it if you like then press Next.
8. Nothing to change on this screen. Press Finish.
9. Now highlight New Database(1) in the list again then select Save in the command ribbon. Go through the naming and saving ritual.
10. Now Right Click your new database and select Install. After this it should show up under Installed Databases. You can close the program.
If all went well and the database installed sucessfully Expression Web 4 should work great. The design window should show your page in a readable, editable, size while at the same time your menus and toolbars are also normal size. Please feel free to let me know if this worked for you and any helpful tips for making the instructions better. ENJOY!
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