Cannot Get Monitor To Display Correct Resolution! Help!

[jers83]

Hello,

My big old bulky tube monitor died recently, so I picked up al LCD flat planel HP monitor from Best Buy.

When I hooked it up and turned it on my monitor displayed a message "Current Settings: 1280 x 1024, Recommended Settings: 1600 x 900". I noticed right away that the picture on my screen is stretched (distorted) horizontally. I went into my settings and there is no option for 1600 x 900 resolution, even under 'Advanced Settings' ('Hide Modes This Monitor Can't Display' is also unchecked). I tried updating drivers, but I'm afraid my graphics card is old and out of date and there is no updated driver that supports 16:9 resolution.

Is there any way I can get it to display 16:9 without buying new hardware? This is a 10+ old desktop computer. It still works great, but the last thing I want to do is buy a new graphics card for it. It seems like there HAS to be someway to just 'force' the monitor to display the correct (native) resolution. Right?!

Hoping somebody can please help!!!

 

[Bongo]

Welcome to the Seven Forums

There's no way to force a graphics card to do what it can't do, your only choice would be to upgrade.

Jerry

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I agree your only other option is to reduce the size of the windows that open,
You could increase your dpi and compensate for the smaller windows,
You should use the Fill in your system spec's page = link above my signature,
Add exactly what brand model monitor that died as well,
Same goes for the new monitor,
Cheers.
Try not to go over 135%
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/443-dpi-display-size-settings-change.html

 

[jers83]

Thank you for your suggestions. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any better results and fear I may just have to buy a new video card that supports 1600 x 900 resolution.

Can anyone recommend a cheap replacement video card? This computer is a bit out of date and it's difficult to find a PCI video card. I just want something that works as good as the one I have (that came in the computer), but will display the correct resolution.

My specs:

Windows 7 Ultimate
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3400+ 2.20 GHz
1.00 GB RAM
32 Bit Operating System
1 PCI slot

I don't game or anything on here. I just use Photoshop, Dreamweaver & Word.

Thanks so much for you help. It's intimidating looking for graphics cards with my very limited knowledge.

 

[Bongo]

Would need more info:
What kind of computer do you have (dell, hp, etc.)with model number.

Jerry

 

[jers83]

Here is more info on my computer:

Compaq Presario SR100NX

Prod #: DW258A-ABA

Let me know if that helps. It's an older computer, but still works great. Just need a more up to date video card that can display my wide screen monitors resolution at 1600 x 900. Hoping to find something on the cheap end to just get the display correct so I no longer have to look at a screen that is stretched out horizontally.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Paul

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi not sure you can open the case and see if it looks like this,
If not take a couple of pictures of this view then the back of your computer,
This image does not show a video card only onboard graphic but it shows there are three slots for graphics card expansion on the bottom
Use the Fill In your system spec's link above my signature picture,
View attachment 312496

 

[Bongo]

Am not finding anything for Compaq Presario SR100NX are you sure them numbers are right? Do what ThrashZone asked you to do, another thing you may have to wonder about is if your power supply can handle a video card.

Jerry

 

[jers83]

Thanks guys - I filled out the System Specs using the software ThrashZone linked (thanks!).

Jerry - I apologize! I just discovered my '9' key is not very responsive on this computer, so it was mistakenly left out of: SR1090NX.

I will try attaching a couple pictures below. Not easy to get a good one in my current set up, but can move it and take better pics if needed. Thought I'd try these first. Thanks so much for you help and patience!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi thanks you did great,
Overdue for a good cleaning,
Power off Unplug and blow it out or vacuum
On the top/ rear big silver box is your power supply,
Does it say anything about Watts ?
On the bottom between the two horizontal cards is where video card/ 's would go so you do have expandability options,
Here's a low powered option I used personally which will give you an idea of pricing,
Newegg.com - ASUS GT640-1GD5-L GeForce GT 640 1GB 64-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
Which this one recommends a 300 watt power supply, but you wouldn't need a low profile card as I did but it comes as full size so it doesn't matter,
Cheers.
Archie posted a good video here how to add a video card
http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-...w-no-graphics-card-installed.html#post2649597

 

[Mellon Head]

Power off Unplug and blow it out or vacuum

[Emphasis mine]
It's not really a good idea to vacuum a computer. Unless you have an special anti-static vacuum made for electronics, the end of the vacuum nozzle can develop quite a charge of static electricity while in use.

It's safer to use compressed air inside the case.