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Resolution resetting after reboot - ATi

  • Thread starter Thread starter ajf
  • Start date Start date

ajf

ajf

ajf

Soldato
Joined
30 Oct 2006
Posts
3,067
Location
Worcestershire, UK
After much deliberation on PCs I have eventually purchased a (refurbished) Dell(!) rather than build my own. To cheap to pass on and does what I want anyway.

However strange problem with graphics and resolution. I quote from my email to Dell:

Just purchased a Dimension E521. Machine seems great. However I am having problems with the screen resolution.
Graphics is the the 256Mb ATi X1300 and monitor is a 19 inch Viewsonic P97f+ CRT.

I wanted to set it at 1280x1024 at 85hz which I have used on other PCs no problem with this monitor.

First issue I had was that the image could be set to 1280x1024 but instead of fitting to monitor screen it expanded the screen past the edges of the CRT so I had to scroll round the desktop to see it all.

I eventually went to ATis website and downloaded the latest Catalyst driver which seemed to cure this problem.

However now, everytime I reboot the PC the resolution changes back to its default of 1024x768 at 60hz.
I can change it back easily but it is very annoying.

Not sure if this is likely to be hardware or software problem?
Have gone through the Catalyst desktop settings and cannot see anything wrong.

Additional info:
Tried a complete uninstall and reinstall of ATi software (originally just upgraded over the top). Not much difference but resolution after reboot is now down to 640x480.
Also since found I get the 'desktop not fitting monitor' on any resolution above 1280x1024. No options for multi screen is set.
I have also checked registry keys for ones that disable saving settings on shut down.

Any idea what is causing this? Not convinced it is hardware related as the card seems fine once set up whilst the PC is on and plays FS2004 fine etc.

Tahnks
Andrew
 
I'm not really 100% familiar with issues such as this one. But I'd hazard a guess and say it was either something to do with the temporary storage of the setting which I'm 99% sure is incorrect. Or an issue with drivers and/or ATI third party software.

This is really just to get the cogs in your brain churning away, I'd wait for someone slightly more knowledgeable to enter and give a more likely explanation. :)
 
Thanks for the reply.
I did another driver reinstall but double checked ALL files and registry entries had been removed first.
So far all seems OK now - though I still cannot go higher than 1280x1024 without it expanding the desktop beyond the monitor area. This seems to be down to the Catalyst software thinking the monitor is not capable of displaying greater resolutions...?

Andrew
 
Cheers :)
I will give that a look and try them out - nothing ventured!

On a slightly different note just got a response from Dell 'Support' about the issues. Not sure whether to laugh or cry:

Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.

I will be assisting you with your Dell Dimension E521 system (service tag: ******).

After going through your mail I understand that you are having problems with the screen resolution.

Mr. Farmer, to resolve the ongoing issue perform these steps:

To turn on or off the Font Anti-Aliasing Feature in Windows XP, perform the following steps:

1.Click Start.
2.Choose Control Panel.

NOTE: If your Start Menu is set to Classic Mode you may need to click Settings before seeing the Control Panel option.
3.Select Appearance and Themes if available.
4.Double-click the Display icon.
5.Choose the Appearance tab.
6.Click the Effects button.
7.Ensure the box "Use the following method to smooth the edge of screen fonts" is checked.
8.Click the pull down menu:

a.If it is set to "Standard" change it to "ClearType".
b.Otherwise if set to "ClearType" change it to "Standard".

9.Click OK, then choose Apply.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this interaction is ********. Please keep this number for your records; it will help us keep track of this issue so we can better assist you if you have any further questions or concerns about your issue.

Thank you again for contacting Dell Hardware E-Support.

Respectfully,

Balwinder Kaur
Dell Hardware E-Support
UK & IRE Support
http://support.euro.dell.com

When responding to me, please use the *REPLY* function of your e-mail program. This will keep the SAME SUBJECT LINE of our e-mail. Otherwise your message may be delayed or lost.


Original Message Follows:
------------------------
* * * PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT WHEN REPLYING * * *
*** This is a feedback Message from the Dell Online Communications Centre. ***
******************************************************************

System Label: Dimension E521

Problem: Video Adapter
Operating System: Windows XP
Problem Description:



Just purchased a Dimension E521 from Dells UK eBay Outlet store. Machine seems great. However I am having problems with the screen resolution.
Graphics is the the 256Mb ATi X1300 and monitor is a 19 inch Viewsonic P97f+ CRT.

I wanted to set it at 1280x1024 at 85hz which I have used on other PCs no problem with this monitor.

First issue I had was that the image could be set to 1280x1024 but instead of fitting to monitor screen it expanded the screen past the edges of the CRT so I had to scroll round the desktop to see it all.
This is NOT related to the dual monitor capability as this option is turned off as there is only one monitor. Also it was happening on all four edges of the screen.

Additionally everytime I reboot the PC the resolution changes back to its default of 1024x768 at 60hz.
I can change it back easily but it is very annoying.




Went to ATis website and downloaded the latest Catalyst driver which seemed to cure initial problem of screen expanding past edges of screen, however this problem has since occured again if I try and set resolution beyond 1280x1024.

However this did not make any difference to the resolution changing after reboot.

I have also created an additonal Administrator user in case it was a profile issue but the resolution still resets to 1024x768 on reboot.

Also checked some registry settings that can stop settings being saved on power down.

***********************************************

What exactly does font anti aliasing have with the problem I reported?!

Andrew
 
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