Clicking on settings tab, screen goes blank

[WinMeFool]

I have a Windows 98SE computer with 256MB RAM and a Nvidia GeForce2 MX/MX 400 video card. This is on a 15 inch monitor and I think the resolution is currently 800x600.

When I go to the display properties and click on the Settings tab, the screen goes completely blank except for a cursor in the top left. I think the computer is still running fine in the background because I can do the keyboard shortcuts for restarting. It will restart fine after displaying some random color letters on the screen for about 3 seconds.

I have tried reloading the latest video driver but no luck. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Spider]

Hi WinMeFool, welcome.

Can you reboot into Safe Mode and get the Settings(tab)?

[WinMeFool]

Thanks for the welcome Spider.

I rebooted in Safe Mode and I was able to get into the Settings tab fine. Hmmmm....

[Spider]

Delete the drivers in Device Manager for the monitor
and the graphics card. Reboot into Safe Mode and
get your Windows98 CD ready...

Start(button)
Run...
type sfc and hit enter
System File Checker will already be selected on
Scan for altered files
change it to
Extract one file from the installation disk
type in desk.cpl
use the Browse...(button)
point to your Windows 98 CD
click Start(button)
when done, restart and install video drivers.

[WinMeFool]

I don't think I have the Windows 98 CD but I have Win98_21.cab through Win98_74.cab. Will these work?

Also how can it start up without monitor and video drivers - is it because it's in safe mode? And once I run that fix how can it be restarted in normal mode without drivers? (just some curious questions.)

Thanks.

[Spider]

If you have cab files in a folder then point to the folder.

You will have default video drivers loaded every bootup.
Don't install the video drivers you have for the card until
you've replaced the desk.cpl

[WinMeFool]

Haven't had a chance to try that yet Spider but a quick question first.

What is the likelihood for complications during this process? Normally I would do it and not worry, but this is my parent's computer (I have my own back at the apt.) and if I run into snags I will only have a few hours to fix them. Thanks.