display problem

[Guest]

I have bought a used computer with XP Professional. I have started it up for
the first time after connecting it to my original monitor. Previously it was
working with a 14" monitor and I have connected it to a 17" monitor.
The display is so distorted that I can't distinguish all the icons on the
monitor to actually set up the computer for the first time. I have not yet
installed any of my personal settings or my internet connection.
The problem is a screen full of distorted vertical lines and I don't know
how to stabilise the display so that I can begin to setup the internet
connection.
I would load the drivers that came with the monitor initially if I could
only see the screen a bit clearer.
Do I need to find out more about the original monitor or can XP
Proffessional be reset through a series of commands.
Hope this made sense !!!!!!! Thanks

 

[Hugh N. Ross]

If the monitor can be read when you boot in safe mode, you can go to
Start, Settings, Control panel, Display and click the tab for Settings.
Try changing the settings to something the monitor likes.
When you find a good set, cllick on apply and ok
I hope this helps.
Hugh

 

[Guest]

Thank you Hugh for helping me. I have a Dell Latitude XP laptop with 2002
windows---I think. My start up screen is a mess. I can still use my pc but
I've tried everything to correct these problems: At start up, I get a pop
up saying that " my ATI driver is not installed or is not working properly"
My pc states that this drive is working properly. I have a vertical black
line down through the middle of screen. All my icons are visiable but the
remaining screen is covered with colored distorted blocks. I've tried the
resolution several times with no success. What do I need to do to correct
this?

 

[Guest]

Thank you Hugh for helping me. I have a Dell Latitude xp laptop. My start up
screen is a mess. I get a pop up saying that my ATI driver is not installed
or is not working properly---but my computer says this drive is working
properly.My icons are visiable but their is a vertical black line through the
middle of screen, and for the remaining screen, it is covered with distorted
blocks of some kind. I tried the resolution several times with no success.
How can I fix this?

 

[Dick Cardy]

Thank you Hugh for helping me. I have a Dell Latitude xp laptop. My start up
screen is a mess. I get a pop up saying that my ATI driver is not installed
or is not working properly---but my computer says this drive is working
properly.My icons are visiable but their is a vertical black line through the
middle of screen, and for the remaining screen, it is covered with distorted
blocks of some kind. I tried the resolution several times with no success.
How can I fix this?

How old is the laptop? If still under warranty get Dell to sort it.

 

[Badbird]

I've had a very similar problem. For me the solution was to update the MB
chipset drivers.