Problem: Resolution Settings in Windows XP 32, SP 3

[Drachenherz]

Just wanted to ask: Why the heck can't I set the resolution in Windows XP, 32-bit, SP3, to 480 X 640????

I got an old Nvidia Fx 5200 Ultra in a Pentium 4, 2.8 ghz setting. After some fumbling with the custom settings, I was able to set the resolution to 480 X 640 (yes, it's vertical. hehe) with 16 bit Colour depth. But I couldn't save this resolution, as soon as I put up a higher resolution, I had to fumble again to get the 480 x 640...

I'm asking this because I want to hook up this old pc to the monitor in my Blast City cab. I have a jpac on my way, but I'd like to connect the pc directly to the d-sub connection on the monitor. And I'm afraid I could fry the Monitor if I don't have the 480 x 640 or 640 x 480 from the start up of the pc...

Anybody had some similar problems? And more importantly: A solution? *gg*

[neorichieb1971]

Is this just for the desktop?

[Drachenherz]

Is this just for the desktop?

Yes, it's the desktop-resolution. The Games etc. switch to the correct resolution automatically. As I said, Windows would be able to display this resolution, those mofos just don't give me the option to choose it easily from the get-go...

[Drachenherz]

Maybe a stupid question... Would rolling back to an older driver version or an older win xp version (sp 2) help? i remember that I had been able to set theresolution this low...

[emphatic]

Right-click on your desktop and open up the preference window. Go to Settings tab, click the "Advanced" button. Click the Adapter tab then click the "List All Modes" button. Scroll to the top and there it is. Click OK than "Apply".

I'm not sure it it'll hold for a restart, but it really should.

[Drachenherz]

Right-click on your desktop and open up the preference window. Go to Settings tab, click the "Advanced" button. Click the Adapter tab then click the "List All Modes" button. Scroll to the top and there it is. Click OK than "Apply".

I'm not sure it it'll hold for a restart, but it really should.

Oh, if it were that easy... But we're dealing with microsoft here, they don't make it easy...

No "list all modes" button, no "advanced" button to begin with. You cannot go into the tried and used "advanced" graphics setup from windows itself, you're redirected to the nvidia control-panel... Where, for fuckever reason, there is no "list all modes"-button. But settings for a custom resolution... Which won't be applied correctly.

i.E. I can type in 640X480, but it just tells me it couldn't test it correctly. If I fiddle manualy with the extended options, I can get it to run properly on 640x480. But it doesn't save it as "custom resolution", when I change the resolution again.



Edit: And I remember getting into those setting-menues you described.... That's why I'm so pissed off as why they aren't there anymore in my current configuration, i.e. win xp 32, service fuck 3, latest actual drivers for the graphics card. :-/

Edit 2: Well, Fuck it. I just changed the custom resolution to 480x640 and left it at that. Now, if it's still at this resolution, I'll just leave it like that. If I don't have to switch and it just works, fine. A pain in the ass to get there, though.

Sometimes, I just don't get what's wrong with those computers and software... Effing little machines...

[emphatic]

So, these steps doesn't work then?



These screens are from my XP SP3 btw.

[BuckoA51]

If you can't add the custom resolution you want in the Nvidia control panel, there's always Powerstrip (http://entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm) it's not free however.

[ZOM]

Another vote for powerstrip. You can do all sorts of things that your drivers don't allow with that proggy. This can also be bad thing, though.
Also, with ntune you can revert the control panel look to the "classic" version.

[neorichieb1971]

Will it be upside down if you do that?

[Drachenherz]

@emphatic:
I found the corresponding drop-down menu now, thanks to your pics. It was called "graphics card" (in german) in my windows and not "adapter"....

But the funny thing is... The lowest resolution for displaying windows in Tate according to this drop-down menu is... 768 x 1024! :head against the wall:

So I used the nVidia control panel, as before, and set a custom resolution of 480x640 @ 60hz, 16 bit colours... I'll leave it at that, as it doesn't matter whether I can simply choose it or whether I have to set it up rather complicated... It stays at the given resolution, and that's all I need. But still... Windows-weirdness... :ugly:

Thanks for all your advices.

[emphatic]

I would just use 640x480, then use NVidia's control panel to rotate that.

[Drachenherz]

I would just use 640x480, then use NVidia's control panel to rotate that.

That's kinda what I'm doing, hehe...

[gray117]

Sounds like you've got your solution, but if of interest:

Quickres is a handy tool to force nearly any resolution: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_quickres.htm



{often be used in conjunction with soft15 if you're after 15kHz signals...}