Windows XP doesnt offer the screen resolution I want

[JaneTrig]

Hello,

My new monitor has optimal resolution at 1600 x 900. but my Windows XP/ Office 7 package doesn't offer that. I can either have 1280 x 1024 - which makes the text blurry or 1600 x 1200 with stretches the images. The 'slider' only toggles between those two settings. Anything I can do?

 

[Guest]

Try updating your video driver to the latest version. Do you install the driver for your monitor?

 

[JaneTrig]

Try updating your video driver to the latest version. Do you install the driver for your monitor?

It came with a cd but there didn't seem to be anything on it to install. But I'll look again..... that might well be the problem! Doh! Silly me. Thanks.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

jane is it fixed?

 

[JaneTrig]

Sadly no. I suspect it's a Window XP problem as the operating sytem is condiderably older than wide screen monitors....

 

[Guest]

In Display Properties, is you monitor listed as the actual name or Plug and Play? Some older video drivers don't support the newer widescreen resolutions. You could upgrade your video card.

 

[JaneTrig]

In Display Properties, is you monitor listed as the actual name or Plug and Play? Some older video drivers don't support the newer widescreen resolutions. You could upgrade your video card.

just plug and play. When i go to monitor on the tab, the properties bit is greyed out. Do i need a physical video card, or will an updated drive do the trick?

 

[Guest]

What is current Display Adapter?

 

[JaneTrig]

What is current Display Adapter?

What's a Display Adapter?

 

[JaneTrig]

What is current Display Adapter?

Found it....VgaSave
Devce: non plug and play
Manafacturer: Unknown
Location: Unknown

 

[Guest]

Looks like you don't have the correct driver. What is the make/model of your computer?

 

[JaneTrig]

Looks like you don't have the correct driver. What is the make/model of your computer?

Dell Inspiron 530.

I've gone online to look for driver uploads, but am unsure as to which of the many they reccomend is the right one. I fear I'm not very technical!

 

[Guest]

What's the Service Tag?

 

[JaneTrig]

What's the Service Tag?

It won't tell me. Apparently it doesn't like the version of Mozilla I use!!

I begin to think I am a lost cause...

 

[Guest]

Your computer has a paper tag on it with the Service Tag.

 

[tigsounds]

I'll just chime in here for a second... If I may.

If you cannot obtain the resolution you desire in the Video Properties, look a bit further while you are there.

In video properties, click the "Settings" tab, then the "Advanced" button, then the "Adapter" tab, and look for a button near the bottom left of the properties box that says "List all modes"

You may find your resolution there or a multiple of it.

 

[JaneTrig]

I'll just chime in here for a second... If I may.

If you cannot obtain the resolution you desire in the Video Properties, look a bit further while you are there.

In video properties, click the "Settings" tab, then the "Advanced" button, then the "Adapter" tab, and look for a button near the bottom left of the properties box that says "List all modes"

You may find your resolution there or a multiple of it.

Thank you for this suggestion, the 1600 modes only have x 1200 not x900, there's an 800 x 600 - but that's not the same ratio is it? or 640 x 480.

 

[JaneTrig]

Your computer has a paper tag on it with the Service Tag.

Ah I#ll have a look for this. Off to work now and then out this evening - but will get on it when i get back. You are kind.

 

[JaneTrig]

Your computer has a paper tag on it with the Service Tag.

I went on to Dell and downloaded something to do with video drivers - and lo and behold aspect ratio 1600x900 appeared in my setting options. Not really sure what it was I downloaded, but it worked.

Thank you for taking the time to help me

Jane