screen resolution/color selection

[kate]

something went wrong with my internet connection, and my
computer had to be restarted. when it came back on, the
screen resolution and color selection were both set on
they're lowest settings, which makes everything look
really weird. i tried to change them by going to display
properties and then settings, but neither of them let me
change them. the screen res. is 800 x 600 and won't let
me move it up... color selection is 4 bit and when i try
to change it, there are no other choices. i've tried
restarting my computer a couple times, hoping the problem
would fix itself, but no such luck. please help!

 

[Lawrence]

something went wrong with my internet connection, and my
computer had to be restarted. when it came back on, the
screen resolution and color selection were both set on
they're lowest settings, which makes everything look
really weird. i tried to change them by going to display
properties and then settings, but neither of them let me
change them. the screen res. is 800 x 600 and won't let
me move it up... color selection is 4 bit and when i try
to change it, there are no other choices. i've tried
restarting my computer a couple times, hoping the problem
would fix itself, but no such luck. please help!

Hi Kate,

Sounds like one or more of the driver files for your video card got
corrupted.

There are two ways to go...

1) Consider downloading drivers from your video card maker's website
(something you might have needed to do anyway)

2) You should be able to uninstall the driver, reboot, and let Windows
detect the card, and automatically install the drivers for you.

Here's the procedure:
If your keyboard has a Windows-key (between the Ctrl and Alt keys), hold it
down AND type the Pause/Break key, to bring up your System Properties.

Otherwise.... Click START, then Control Panel, then Performance &
Maintenance, then System.

Once at the System Properties Menu, click the Hardware tab, then Device
Manager
Locate your Display Adapter on the list, click the [+] to open the folder,
then right-click on your video card, and choose Uninstall.
(Yes... Uninstall) )

OK and accept your way out, and then reboot your computer.
When Windows XP loads, it will detect your video card, and automatically
install drivers for it.

If this is the path you chose, you still might consider checking whether
your card maker has newer(most likely better) drivers.

Please post back with your results.

Good luck,
-Lawrence in Seattle