Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

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Here's a solution I found:
98 default loads a basic VGA graphics driver.
Open System>Device Managers>Display Adapters and open the one listed. Then click the Driver tab> Update Driver>Display a list of all drivers.

Now here is the important part that stumps some people: Click the radio dot for Show _all_ hardware and then highlight [Standard Display Types]. Usually you'll see a Standard PCI Graphics Adapter has been nominally chosen by Windows. Change to Super VGA and OK close everything and let it reboot. You should now be able to change to 800x600 and High Color _IF_ your card will support it. This only works if the maximum capabilities of your system are being twarted by Windows stupid default choice. If not, get a better vid card is all you can do.

Hope this helps, that's how I solved it.

I'm having the same problem also, however I have options to change the display settings to higher res. Once I've changed them, it will prompt to restart, but after restarting the settings are back to lowest and I get a pop-up saying that the settings aren't correct and need amending - this will take me back into the properties and back around in circles!! I've the work around above but I don't have the 'display list of drivers' option.

Does anyone have a suggestions? Any help grateful received!!

I have a toshiba satelite computer it has an s-video cord but when I hook it up to my tv the screen is working but so blurry you can't see a thing. I know the resolution on my computer can be lowered but the lowest mine goes is 800x600 my tv is an older one a "Sharp" is there ANY way I can lower my screen resolution ad play my movies on my tv...?

Nice one Leo! as we say over here in the UK.

I reinstalled windows on my dell dimension yesterday but had the same problem with the poor display. I read your excellent article and immediately understood my problem. I went to Dell support and downloaded the graphics driver and EUREKA!

You're doing a great job!

best wishes, Barry

How can I force Windows XP Pro with SP2 in safe mode to allow me to change the drivers from a standard 640x480 VGA display mode Screen Resolution on my LCD which is confined to large graphics, to a larger view [1024x768] that is not the 640x480 that also does not allow to view adjustment functions like [OK] when a corection has been made.

Your expedited cooperation in this matter is appreciated. Thank you.

I want to change my resolution to 640x480, but graphic card doesn't seem to let me in display settings. I have a 7300gt. Please help.

Thanks Leo. Your a genius.

I recently had to reinstall windows xp on my mothers dell dimension 2400. I was left only with the option of 640x480 color resolution. I installed the drivers that windows found on the original dell drivers disc that came with the computer. I thought that it solved my problem because when I went to change the color display, I had all my options restored like im used to(ie, more color options than 640x480). However when I pressed ok to change the settings, my screen flickered(like usual)then went completely black for about 5 minutes before I shut off the computer, and turned it back on, and still only the black screen. Why did this happen, and what can I do to fix it?

i'm having the same problem with not bieng able to increase the screen resolutionmore than 640x820 what driver can i install on my Dell branded system with no manufacturers cd. I formated it with Windows XP 2005 version.

I got a new grafics card and i installed in my tower. but when i start it up the picture is clearer than before and when i intall the drivers and it restarts the screen resolution goes down and i cant change it what can i do please

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