Monitor HookUp Problems

[No Clue]

I just bought another computer but didn't buy another monitor yet. I had an
old IBM PS/1 14" monitor that I thought I might be able to use in the
meantime but can't get it to work. Here's what I'm trying to do.

My old computer is a Dell Dimension 8100, Windows ME, Dell 19 monitor. My
new computer is a Dell Dimension 3000, Window XP. I want to use the old
Dell 19" monitor on the new Dell 3000 and it works fine.

Here's what happens when I try to hook up the IBM PS/1 monitor to the Dell
8100. It starts to boot up fine, Dell graphics look good, and then when it
gets ready to go to Windows, it shows a thin line of static across the
screen about a half inch wide. I've tried different changes to the setup
but still the same outcome. An improper shut down will allow me to reboot
back up in safe mode....but not Windows.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

 

[Bob Knowlden]

At a guess, the 8100 is trying to run the old 14" monitor outside of its
acceptable resolution/refresh rate range.

I suggest that you try booting in safe mode (press F8 repeatedly while
Windows is booting). Set the graphics to the minimum resolution; if it's XP,
I believe that's 800X600. Also set a 60 Hz refresh rate. I hope that old
monitor supports those.

It may be possible to install a .inf file for the monitor, so that Windows
will recognize it correctly, and allow only proper resolution settings to be
chosen. As you don't list a model, I can't check whether IBM has a file
available for download.

I hope that you can replace the 14" monitor soon. It may have been OK in its
day, but that day should have been more than 10 years ago. Even an old
Rambus P4 (Dimension 8100) deserves better.


Address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[No Clue]

Bob, you're the MAN! That was the key, and such a simple answer to just
change the resolution. I don't know how it evaded me, but that's the great
thing about the newsgroups, when we can help each other out. The old IBM
monitor is working fine now and will give me some time to research flat
screens before I buy one.

A big THANKS to you. John