Safe mode - LCD monitor display incompatibility

Yes, you should be able to disconnect the LCD and connect the CRT to the VGA port without uninstalling/installing drivers. But the LCD should work in the SAFE mode - all mine do.

i don't have the CRT any longer. it's been years, nor do i have access to one. the message that floats across my darkened "safe mode" LCD screen is

"Not Optimum Mode, Recommended Mode: 1280 X 1024 60 Hz". i don't know if that is generated by my monitor or the safe mode driver...?

so, i wonder if there is any adjustment i can make so that the display comes alive as it should (or close).

I resolved the issue in the end by looking to other sites on the web. I went to msconfig, and selected safe mode and vga mode there, rebooted and then got the desired result >> my lcd screen now functional in "VGA mode" and my operating system in "safe mode". From there, I ran my anti-virus and anti-malware programs from safe mode as recommended. My intent for doing this was to counter SLOW computer performance, and I wanted to rule out virus and malware as the cause. It turns out they were not the problem. I managed to speed up my computer somewhat by removing un-needed Services and Start-ups, but my old XP computer remains slow (over 2 minutes from boot to working, unfettered cursor).