monitor only shows 16 colors

[jdkuhndog]

I just reformatted a new (new to me) computer - the monitor i have will only allow me to choose 16 colors. Do i need a driver (which i can download) or do i need an actual physical graphics card?

NOTE: This monitor worked perfect on my old computer.

Thanks !

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

You need to install the proper driver for your video card !!

Murray

 

[jdkuhndog]

Thanks !

how do i know what video card is in there?

 

[jdkuhndog]

does it matter what monitor i am using or just the video card in the computer?

 

[edfair]

Monitor will define after the correct video drivers are installed. (usually)

You may get a splash screen before the computer boots showing the video chip installed. Or you may have to use some diagnostic software like Belarc, Sandra, or Aida. Or possibly use debug and display the video bios which generally shows the manufacturer's name in a copyright block of text.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[lesgray]

Usually the only way to identify the video card is to pull it out and look at the label on the card. However, from your description, it sounds like you have an integratd video card on the motherboard. If so, if you have the CD that came with the motherboard, then the video drivers should be on it, otherwise you will have to go to the motherboard manufacturer's website and download the video drivers for your motherboard. Do you know what motherboard you have?

Les Gray

http://www.creartec.com

 

[micker377]

Download and run "Everest Home". It will tell you everything you ned to know.

 

[jdkuhndog]

thaks micker - Everest Home is a pretty cool program.

Prolem still exists though !!! I finally went to Circuit City and bought an $80 graphics card and figured that would solve the problem...no luck !! I installed the card and software and I still am only getting a choice of 16 colors.

Thanks for any help.

 

[mpman]

1.What video card do you have?
2.What system do you have?

I might help...

 

[jdkuhndog]

My system is Windows 98

I just installed an eVGA GeForce MX4000 Video Card.

Thanks !

 

[mpman]

Right click in the middle of the screen and call the display window by clicking 'properties', tell me what you see under 'display'..

1.Windows 98 is old, XP will work better.
2.Go to the site of the company that produced the card, download and install the latest win 98 driver.
3.Restart and see if there's any difference.

 

[jdkuhndog]

it says

Compaq MV520 Color Monitor on Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA).

so, i guess this means it is not seeing the new video card...as i went through setting up the card again, it runs into an error in Setup...i forget what it says...i will try again and write it down.

thanks !

 

[jdkuhndog]

mpman - thanks for the help. I took your advice and visted evga website and found a more up to date setup program than what came in the case. It is working beautifully now !

Thanks !!