Comments for Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-10-23

2009-10-23T17:23:56Z

So we just got a new HP, the monitor is a HP2709m which is a 27". The drivers were installed properly (I think) as NCDIA GeForce 250 and the screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 but it dosen't fill the screen. There is like an inch of black all around. Is there anything i can do about this?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Peter on 2009-10-15

2009-10-15T10:12:54Z

hey my computers resolution was fine while installing windows xp bu then it changed to 800x600. i only have two options and it is 800x600 and 640x480. both resolutions bring up weird colours. pls tell me how to fix this.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Nica Williams on 2009-08-12

2009-08-13T00:54:51Z

My screen is huge, I'm not able to change the resolution from the Display option which is set to 640x480 and 16 colors. Also the Hardware wizard keep appearing pertaining to the video adapter, please help? Dell PC, XP Home Edition.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Steyn on 2009-07-14

2009-07-14T20:22:14Z

Acer Aspire 5920G cant change resolution or colour? Stuck on lowest res and 4 bit colour? could it be my graphics card thats cooked??? didn't install any new drivers? Please Help...

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Luke Holloway on 2009-02-11

2009-02-11T23:12:22Z

I have an hp media center that came with a 1680X1050 monitor, but Windows media palyer only lets me get 680, I want to know how to changet because when I go to properties it says compatability modes cannot be set in this version of windows, I HAVE VISTA but it says windows 95 An its all in grey so I cant change anything,PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! THANK YOU

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from gareth dickens on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T19:39:46Z

i am use a dvi - hdmi cable to run my dell pc im getiing the same proble i cant change my resoultion i can move the bar back and for and and press change but the screen goes blank for 15 secounds comes back on and it hasnt changed i thought it could by the dvi cable im using dvi on my other pc tha isnt dell ive conected it up the same way and that works

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Craig on 2008-11-11

2008-11-11T22:05:14Z

Seeing as the Dell name pops up a bit in hardware descriptions, I'd like to point out a great service Dell offers in the area of drivers - a "Service Tag". This 'Service Tag' is a sticker on the box of the computer, usuall on the top or back and is a unique number to identify that computer with Dell. If you go to Dell's support site and enter that number, you will be shown the computers purchase and warranty history and all the relevant drivers to 'that' computer as it left the factory - That is why I like to work on Dell computers (albeit they are super basic, too).

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Nelson on 2008-11-05

2008-11-05T19:09:19Z

I've recently upgrade my version of windows 98 to windows 2000. When I start the computer with windows 2000 the colours all look like shadows. When I tried to change the colour resolution it won't let me. The only option available is 16 colours. What can I do to fix it?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Nehemiah Tsosie on 2008-10-22

2008-10-22T17:47:49Z

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

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Sam on 2008-04-30

2008-04-30T13:27:36Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from theycallmesir on 2007-12-16

2007-12-16T21:41:18Z

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?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Lamar Hill on 2007-11-30

2007-11-30T23:01:26Z

Thanks Leo. Your a genius.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from someguy0 on 2007-07-31

2007-07-31T23:27:39Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from John on 2007-07-29

2007-07-29T19:27:11Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from barry sprules on 2007-07-26

2007-07-26T12:33:49Z

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

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jamie Jade on 2007-03-12

2007-03-13T00:07:42Z

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...?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Victoria on 2007-02-10

2007-02-10T23:39:32Z

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!!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from docweasel on 2007-01-21

2007-01-22T00:55:38Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Alex on 2006-10-23

2006-10-24T00:19:17Z

Hey..My friend Meg is having trouble with the 640x480 prob.. 16bit or 2it colours..and the slider wont move, and the screen is tiny in the middle of her screen. She has a windoes 98 laptop..and she had her screen FULL SCREEN once before..and suddenly this happened. Could anyone please e-mail me at "mad_muskie@hotmail.com" for help please. Thanks guys!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-10-22

2006-10-22T18:55:08Z

If you're saying that the resolution changes when you run those programs then this article might be appropriate: http://ask-leo.com/why_does_my_screen_resolution_change_when_i_run_this_program.html

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Brett on 2006-10-22

2006-10-22T11:21:28Z

I need help too, When ever i start such programs as Windows messenger live or Itunes, My computer the last few days seems to throw itself int 640x480 mode with low 16 bit colour, Does anyone know why its doing this, i thought it was a virus so i brought Zone alarm, but nothing... its just getting really frustrating with all my Studies and just finishing highschool please help ASAP

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from charles on 2006-10-05

2006-10-06T00:50:36Z

my graphics card is not installed. i dont have the disc i think. i think that is why my computer will not go to higher screen resoltion. how can i get the disc for the graphics card. the card is the default card from the factory

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from charles on 2006-10-05

2006-10-05T23:41:21Z

i am running a dell dimension 3000 and i cant change the screen resolution. but it also does not say display adapters in device mannager. what do i do?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Steve on 2006-09-27

2006-09-27T14:42:23Z

I am having similar rpoblems with my HP laptop running GeForce Go5700 video card. I've repaired Windows XP and was finally able to change the display mode from 640x480 (8 bit) but can't boot with out going into safe mode. During repair sequence my video display flashed repeatedly. I have uninstalled/reinstalled drivers, etc. and am running out of ideas... monitor is set to default ,,, Thanks, Leo!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from kevin p on 2006-09-13

2006-09-14T00:35:20Z

i'm having the same problem on my 98 i can't change the res, and i have a g force fx 5200 installed in to? any help,

pazik04@sbcglobal.net

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Silva Neto on 2006-07-10

2006-07-11T00:01:58Z

I have one sony PCV-671, Nvidia Geforce4 MX 4000, windows XP professional.
Every 30 seconds the windows change my resolution to 640x480.
I try a lot things

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ted Davis on 2006-05-16

2006-05-16T23:59:04Z

Mine is an older system that I replaced the hard drive on. I reran the windows 98 SE CD and it installed fine But now it only gives me two color choices (16 color or 2 color) and the resolution will not slide off of 640x480...Help!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from jas on 2006-04-14

2006-04-14T13:58:50Z

hi leo i cant change my screen resolution its on 640x480 .and its realy annoying me because its a crap picture.
well i read the article on it but i dont no how to install my graphic card thing and when i got my pc it never came with a disk or anythink can you help please or anyone? email me at jason.jaws.13@hotmail.co.uk

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Paul on 2006-03-23

2006-03-24T03:49:20Z

Hi all. I had this problem and this is how I solved it. I went to my computer-properties & device manager. There was a little YELLOW question mark that said "other devices" I opened that up and there was a something that said video drivers I think. I added the drivers and it works now. Check it out.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from liam on 2006-03-11

2006-03-12T00:30:38Z

hey

i have just finished reformatting my computer and i can't change the resolution in my display. it keeps telling me that the monitor is on default. help its driving me mad.

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Prince Rakeem on 2006-03-02

2006-03-02T23:43:52Z

Hello Leo, I am having this problem, but unfortunately I have the correct drivers installedc and everything. I had the resolution at 1280/760 or whatever, rebooted, and then it was in 640x480. I can still change the color depth, but the slider for resolution won't move. I tried changing resolution in regedit but that won't work either. I even removed the adapter and monitor from the hardware profile and put them back, but to no avail. Is this indicative of a hardware failure in the video card or something?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from starsky100 on 2006-02-24

2006-02-24T09:04:02Z

what dell cd did you use to install ?

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from colin on 2006-01-28

2006-01-28T12:30:24Z

Nah mate, its a bit more difficult than that. I got it sorted myself after a bit of messing with it. Go into your device manager and scroll down to video adapter click,then click properties on the tab above - more than likely it will say theres no driver installed for this device. Click the reinstall drivers and from here select where you want it to look. I put in my Dell cd at this point, and after a few seconds it installed what I needed. Once done, go back to the main display settings for your monitor and youll find that little slider now moves.Woohoo! Goodbye to that awful 640 rubbish, hello my full beautiful screen!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Mike on 2006-01-26

2006-01-26T22:23:51Z

Right click on the desktop and click onto properties.

Click onto the settings tab anbd move the slider to what you want.

Job Done

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Colin on 2006-01-12

2006-01-12T14:01:29Z

Oops! My mail addy is horizon2005@aol.com if anyone knows what to do here..... pleeezz! :(

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Colin on 2006-01-12

2006-01-12T13:59:26Z

Exactly the same problem! No display drivers mentioned either. Im stuck with that awful 640x480 rubbish too. Ive even managed to get the drivers to change it (from Dell) but cant work out how to install them with no mention of the monitor in the device manager! The "properties" button is greyed out in the control panel access to my monitor also. Arrrghhh! Help!

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Pierce on 2006-01-05

2006-01-06T07:12:17Z

ive followed the troubleshooting, and your advice on how to fix this problem, but when im in the device manager. i have no node labeled display drivers... if you have any insight, plz email me at razo_blade@hotmail.com

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from tyler on 2005-12-12

2005-12-12T16:41:27Z

how can i change my screen resolution from 600 x 800

]]>

A comment on: Why is 640x480 my only resolution option?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.