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CCL041989
October 26th, 2004, 12:11 AM
Hello,

There are two computers in this living room and both are having the same problem. The one that I'm not on now had this problem first. When I started up, I noticed the login screen was much larger (and that computer is Windows 2000, this one is 98), and when I logged into Windows, the screen looked like it was reset to 640X480 and 16 colors, andI always had it on 1024X780 and 256 colors. (It looked like you took a screenshot, stuck it in Paint, and zoomed in on the upper-left hand corner of the screen!!) I don't know what caused this problem, but I tried to change my color and resolution; in the Display manager, all other options aside from 16 colors were gone, and the only two resolution options were 640X480 and 800X600. I was very confused, so I tried to switch to 800X600, but after clicking "Apply" and watching the screen flicker and change, nothing happened; it remained on 640X480. I was really frustrated. I decided to login to this computer. These two computers I believe are only connected through cable internet connection, even though this one is still considerably slower, but I can understand that... This computer worked fine for about two days then ran into the same problem, which I'm trying to deal with right now. (This text box is now white and covered with a grid of blue pixels...) Also, on the first computer, my stepbrother decided to log on, but everything remained the same, except all text, from the login screen to even MSN.com on IE, was shrunk down to a line of pixels. The pictures and animations on MSN were completely distorted and flickering, too. All I could think of was "WHAT THE?!?!?" I haven't even turned on that computer since. I almost wanted to burn it. :curse: :p Now this computer hasn't had the amazing shrinking text problem, but I still can't fix this display... Crap. Pardon my language... I ran Norton Anti-Virus (2004), but it turned up with nothing. I ran Ad-Aware, scanning for everything I could scan for. I deleted potential files, and still, nothing. The C: drive has been defragmented. Nothing. I ran system checks, nothing. I created a system snapshot using Dr. Watson. Nothing. Can someone please help me?? Could it be a virus, hardware conflict, SpyWare, a worm, or even hacking?? I don't know what to do. My stepmother said that the technician she knows from work said that there is nothing we can do. I need help. Thank you...

Chris (CCL041989)

Wainui
October 26th, 2004, 10:02 AM
Hi,
Follow the instructions Here (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;127139) to setup the Display Adapter and Monitor on your computer.

For the Adapter settings use the Windows 98 & ME instructions,

For the Monitor scroll down to the bottom of the page and use the Windows 98 instructions.

Post back if it doesn't work.

CCL041989
October 26th, 2004, 08:26 PM
Hi,

I tried all of the Windows 98 instructions to no success. I have no idea what to do. In fact, removing the display adapter has made things worse, as the slider for changing the resolution will not move, and the only color options now are 16 colors and 2 colors... I don't know how to format the drive, but would it help? Thanks...

Chris (CCL041989)

Wainui
October 28th, 2004, 03:53 AM
Can we have some more information about your computer please, better still
download and run the Belarc Advisor (http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_download.asp?fid=8078&fileidx=1). It is a small program that will give you accurate information about your computer.
Post your result here.

CCL041989
October 28th, 2004, 09:57 PM
Okay, here is the info. on my computer -

Operating System System ModelWindows 98 SE (build 4.10.2222) Compaq Compaq PC
System Serial Number: 9903CF5ZE591Operating System System ModelWindows 98 SE (build 4.10.2222) Compaq Compaq PC
System Serial Number: 9903CF5ZE591
Drives Memory Modules c,d20.01 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
10.85 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

Compaq DVD-ROM DVD-113R [CD-ROM drive]
SAMSUNG CD-R/RW SW-216B [CD-ROM drive]
Generic floppy disk drive (3.5")

Generic IDE hard disk drive (20.01 GB) -- drive 0, No SMART (http://www.belarc.com/smart.html) Driver
IOMEGA ZIP 100 [Hard drive] -- drive 255, rev 12.A 64 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot '0' has 64 MB
Slot '1' is Empty
Slot '2' is Empty Local Drive Volumes c: (on drive 0)20.01 GB10.85 GB free Network Drives None detectedPrinters hp deskjet 3820 serieson LPT1:Controllers DisplayStandard Floppy Disk Controller
Intel 82371AB/EB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller
Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo) Standard Display Adapter (VGA)
COMPAQ V720 [Monitor] (16.3"vis, s/n 850CF48MD346, December 1998)
Bus Adapters MultimediaIntel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller Sonic Impact A3D Gameport
Sonic Impact A3D MPU-401
Sonic Impact A3D PCI Audio
Sonic Impact A3D Sound Blaster Emulation
Wave Device for Voice ModemCommunications Other DevicesSupraMax 56i Voice PCI V.92 [Modem]
Intel 21143/2 based 10/100 mbps Ethernet Controller
NETGEAR FA311 Fast Ethernet PCI Adapter
Network Card MAC Address: 00:10:E3:F1:F6:9A
Network IP Address: 192.168.1.106 / 24 Texas Instruments OHCI IEEE 1394 Host Controller
SUP2751 PCI Modem Enumerator
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Logitech-compatible Mouse (PS/2)
Sonic Impact A3D Multifunction Parent
Generic USB Hub
USB Root HubVirus Protection Norton AntiVirus Version 9.05 Virus Definitions Version 10/20/04 Rev 38 Last Disk Scan on Friday, October 22, 2004 2:10:46 PM Installed Microsoft Hotfixes document.write( '' ) [Back to Top (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0))] [b]Internet Explorerfile:///C|/Program%20Files/Belarc/Advisor/System/local/images/trans.giffile:///C|/Program%20Files/Belarc/Advisor/System/local/images/shfs0.gif SP1 (SP1) Thank you.


Chris (CCL041989)

djsneekerz
July 4th, 2005, 07:22 PM
I had the same problem after I got a virus and had to reinstall windows 98. I could only get 16 colors and 640x480. I needed a driver for my video card and after I installed it the problem was fixed. I had to download the driver from driverguide.com. I don't know a lot about computers, I just know this worked for me. I hope this helps you.

just_a_nobody
July 5th, 2005, 03:21 AM
You only have 64 mbs of RAM? If I were you, I would have at least 256 mbs, for win98se. It could very well be a virus, or spyware, taking up a lot of your memory, leaving a faint amount for your display. Do you have the Compaq restore disk? If so, you may want to see if you can restore your MOBO drivers, and see if that helps.

If it were my computer, I would uninstall Norton completely, as it is a resource hog in itself, and you have scant resources now.
Go here and download AVG free: : http://www.majorgeeks.com/download886.html (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download886.html)


AVG is free, and it found viruses, on my computer, that Norton completely missed.


If all else fails, you could do a reinstall, if you have the win98se install disk w/key.

Murray S.
July 5th, 2005, 03:39 AM
Howdy and welcome to CTH:

64megs is just fine for Win98SE so don't worry about that..

Belarc is good but Everest is much better..

http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?dlid=1&lang=en

Install and run it.. Post the part of the log that shows your video/display adapter info..

Murray

just_a_nobody
July 6th, 2005, 12:46 AM
When I run my win98 machine, with 64mbs of RAM, without Norton, once it gets to the desktop, I have about 3mbs of RAM, to work with. The only things I have running in my task bar, is AVG and the speaker.

Murray S.
July 6th, 2005, 12:48 AM
But, it still runs.. Nuff said..

Murray

Tom
July 6th, 2005, 02:28 AM
Like to add a note on this (and checking some things also). Diffferent computers (I assume with different display adapters), different operating systems. Both have a display problem around the same time. If they both have similar cable modems, I would try removing the modem and restarting. Also perhaps a change in both config.sys files caused something (bit of a stretch). Just thinking out loud.