Problem with screen resolution

[macronin]

Hi there,

I recently had to format my hard drive due to problems with my previous OS. My laptop comes with a NVIDIA GeForce2 Go garphics card. I have now installed Windows 2000 and everything seems back to normal except for the resolution of the screen. My preferred resolution is 1280 x 1024 but the backgrounds aren't sharp at all whereas they were before. Likewise the quality of picture on my DVD player is poor. Even if I change the resolution to 1600 x 1200 the backgrounds are still blotchy but the DVD is sharper. Can anyone tell me how I can fix this problem? Thanks.

 

[peeceejr]

What was your previous OS? Was it W2K? If not you may have a BIOS resource conflict. OEM configuration will sometimes set the BIOS resource to a limited range and therefore the new OS can not auto assign the resources correctly.

 

[JimEkleberry]

In addition, check that you have the latest video drivers from nvidia and have the refresh rate set properly.

 

[Guest_imported]

Originally I had Windows ME but then I put on XP to see what it's like. However I then had problems as I mentioned in my original post. I reinstalled the nvidia video drivers that came with my computer. My refresh rate is set to 60Hz. I'm afraid I am not familiar with the BIOS so additional information would be most appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[macronin]

That "More help Please" post was by me - I forgot to log in!

 

[JimEkleberry]

Try placing your refresh rate at 75Hz or higher and that should clear things up for you.

 

[TechC]

Macronin,

I to did the very same thing to my laptop, a HP N5195, over Christmas going form ME to XP and as a result encountered display resolution distortion problems. To correct the problem, I went to the HP web site and down loaded the most current video driver for XP and the most current BIOS revision for my laptop. I would like to STRESS that I went to web site of the builder of the laptop. Exp. Dell, HP, Gateway, Compaq… and not the maker of the video card. I first downloaded the BIOS upgrade then the video drivers for XP; in your case it will be for windows 2000 if this is the OS you will be using.

First determine the current BIOS revision on your laptop by entering the BIOS at the beginning of the boot cycle by using the key combination for your laptop. If you do not know this information go to the web site or call customer support to get this it, additionally you might find the information in the user guide provided with the unit. After determining the BIOS revision on your notebook go to the manufactures web site and check for the most current BIOS revision number to see if matches. You may already have the most current BIOS revision.

In the event you do need to upgrade your BIOS, First if possible read any information provided at the site by the manufacturer on what the upgrade is for and what it will do. Most manufactures provide a read me file that will go alone with the upgrade; this file is the instruction set on how to conduct the BIOS upgrade.

Here are some wed sites that will provide information and help you become knowledgeable on the subject of a computer BIOS.

1.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/,

On the site page utilize the search function and enter BIOS.
On the linked page look for “BIOS information, upgrades and tweaks” on the left side of the page.

2.

http://www.computerhope.com/,

in the upper right Connor of the site page select Free help then on the following page under COMPUTER HARDWARE select B and then select BIOS.

NOTE:
Only upgrade as needed “read any information provided at the site by the manufacturer on what the upgrade is for and what it will do.”

Make sure that the unit has stable AC power and is not operating off the battery; loss of power during upgrade will turn your laptop into a very high priced paperweight.

Once you commit to the process, started the upgrade, do not stop it for any reason as this to has a very high probability of turn your laptop into a very high priced paperweight.