Got new monitor, but can't get it to work.

[Darrin]

Hi there. I just picked up an Acer P201W 20" LCD monitor. I used to have an off-brand 18.1" LCD.

When I fire up, I get the vertical lines that indicate an unacceptable resolution setting. So how do I change it in Safe Mode so it stays usable in Normal Mode? I'm running in Safe Mode right now with it.

BTW, XP SP2, ATI AIW Pro 7200 Series (I think).

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

[leowyatt]

Would removing your graphics card and rebooting be any help? Windows will reinstall it and you'll get the basic resolution.

[Darrin]

Worth a try I guess... Be back in a mo'

[Daz]

If that doesn't work, you can change a reg key in safe mode and it should be ok.

HKCC\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\ , followed by a GUID representing you graphics card, followed by a couple of levels, followed by DefaultSettings.XResolution and DefaultSettings.YResolution.

You might have a couple of GUIDs under video, but only 1 should have a higher resolution than your monitor supports. Just drop them to 640 x 480.

[edit]Keep in mind those values are stored in hex (the decimal values are shown in brackets). 1024 x 768 is 400 x 300 in hex.

[Darrin]

Leo, that idea was a bust. Thanks for trying, though. :)

Daz, uhhhhh What?

Please give detailed instructions on this. I normally don't play in the registry.

[Feek]

Do you still have the old monitor? Plug it back in, set the screen to 640x480x60 and then put the new one on. You can then reset that to what you want.

[Darrin]

Feek, my friend I wish it was that easy. Alas, I bought this monitor due to the old one going south.

[Darrin]

Well, it would appear that somewhere along the lines my old ATI card doesn't want to play well with this monitor on the DVI input.

I put the DVI-SVGA adapter on and hooked it into the analog inputs on the monitor and it works fine.

I'm a little depressed about the digital inputs not working as that was one of the reasons I bought this particular monitor. Guess I'll have to play a little to figure out what's wrong.

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Anything you can think of to try and get the digital working would be greatly appreciated.

[leowyatt]

I saw an old thread about DVI to HDMI you posted. Did you ever sort that out??

Sorry my suggestion didn't work. I'd have thought Windows would have realised the resolution needed resetting.

[Darrin]

Actually, it was the DVI to SVGA adapter for my old monitor. I'm now using that for this monitor!! :p

[leowyatt]

Actually, it was the DVI to SVGA adapter for my old monitor.

Bummer I was going to say if it was DVI->HDMI there is a cable you can buy :(

[Darrin]

Yup, they carry them at work. But alas, I can't quite afford a 46" LCD HDTV as a monitor!! :p


As much as I'd love one...