Dell Dimension 2400 Windows 7 Screen resolution stuck at 480 x 640

[IanBinnie]

I have recently loaded Windows 7 (Home Premium) on to a Dell Dimension 2400 (32 bit). Installation went smoothly but screen resolution is stuck at 480 x 640 which makes the computer practically unworkable. I understand (but am nor sure) that Dell does not support Windows 7 on this machine and the only solution is a new video card. I badly need some expert guidance.

 

[zigzag3143]

The 2400 isnt really a good candidate for win 7. Its max memory is 2x512=1024 and the video is integrated using some of the system memory.

The minimum requirements for win 7 32 bit is 1 gig and recommended 2 gigs.

 

[stormy13]

Intel 845 chipset/graphics, and correct there is no Windows 7 support for it. Dell can't provide support for it because Intel has dropped support for it,

Graphics — Older Intel® graphics controllers and Microsoft Windows 7* operating system

That said the last XP driver for it either from Dell or directly from Intel,

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...indows XP Professional*&DownloadType=Drivers

It may take using http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html to get it to install. You won't get Aero on it, but you should have your resolution and such back.

 

[IanBinnie]

Many thanks for both your contributions. I believe that if I buy and fit a new video card (the Geforce FX 5500) that will cure the resolution problem. Can you advise if that is so. I am reluctant to buy the card if it won't work. Ian

 

[stormy13]

It should work, but it also doesn't have any Windows 7 drivers as Nvidia dropped support for it just before Vista came out. There is a beta Vista driver for it,

ForceWare Release 95

that does work in Windows 7. Better to try the last XP driver for your current Intel onboard video before spending any money though.

 

[Nightreaper]

Intel 845 chipset support's 2GB of ram, Dell released BIOS Ver: A05 which supports this .
Ram can be found here: Computer memory upgrades for Dell Dimension 2400 Series Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

Also the graphics card you have chosen, (FX5500) Nvidia don't have a driver for win 7 .

An alternative if you can find it is the Nvidia 8400gs 512mb pci card, Nvidia do support this card in win 7 .

8400gs in the UK can be found here: Novatech GeForce 8400GS 512MB GDDR2 PCI | NOV-84PCI

That's quite a bit to spend on an ageing machine! Perhaps checkout a certain auction site? with care you could save quite a bit for the same components .

Hope this helps.

Nightreaper.

 

[IanBinnie]

My thanks to all who responded

Regards

Ian

 

[donnasander]

Thanks you Stormy13. The XP driver in windows 7 compatibility mode worked great! My client's machine is now running in the highest screen resolution! I thought I was going to lose the install on this machine.