Resolution problems

[blueonblack]

I had my PC replaced at work. I work with two identical HP1740 monitors. For some reason since the monitor replacement I can't get the resolution to work correctly on the second screen.

The monitor lists its "optimal resolution" as 1152x864, but this resolution makes text hard to read. When I reset the resolution to something bigger, instead of filling the screen with a bigger picture it just displays less of the image in a sort of window, with a black bar all the way around it. Text is still the same size.

What makes this extra confusing is that it only happens on the second monitor. The first screen that seems to be working all right is running off of a VGA signal directly from the board. The problem screen runs DVI via a DisplayPort to DVI adapter.

I've only worked with this one night and I've got a headache, anyone have any ideas how to make this thing full-screen at a lower resolution?

Thanks!

[mDust]

Since the monitors are identical, try reversing the input cables. If the problem switches as well, then you know what is causing it. If the problem persists unchanged, try looking at the settings in the software for the graphics card if present...the monitors are configured independently, so you should be able to switch between settings for 1 and 2. Failing that, try looking in the monitor's configuration menu for odd settings.

[x88x]

The monitor lists its "optimal resolution" as 1152x864

Where? According to HP's spec sheet, it's native res is 1280x1024.
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12127_div/12127_div.HTML

I would second mDust's in swapping the cables, but it sounds like it might be a driver issue, assuming I'm understanding what happened correctly.


I had my PC replaced at work. I work with two identical HP1740 monitors. For some reason since the monitor replacement I can't get the resolution to work correctly on the second screen.

Was just the tower replaced or were the monitors replaced as well?

What OS are you running?

Also, I gotta ask, why don't you ask the IT person to fix it? They would hopefully know a lot more about your system than we would.

[blueonblack]

I'll double check the optimal resolution when I get to work tonight.

I'll try swapping cables. (Duh, why didn't I think of that?)

Just the tower was replaced.

Using XP Pro SP3

Because the IT people that work my shift are absolutely clueless (I've watched them "troubleshoot" before, trust me), and the ones who work during the day may or may not get to it before the LCD technology becomes obsolete.

Thanks all!

[x88x]

Ok, yeah, if just the tower was replaced and both monitors were working properly at 1280x1024 before, it's definitely either a driver or software configuration problem. ...and just the fact that it is like and after installation gives me a very clear picture of your IT staff's competency. My condolences. :no:

[blueonblack]

...and both monitors were working properly at 1280x1024 before

Actually I don't know what resolution they were at before, but it was less than that. That's what I'm trying to do is lower the resolution so the text isn't so small. Regardless, though, you're right. They were working fine (and working identically) before the tower was replaced.

Appreciate the sympathy.

[x88x]

Instead of lowering the resolution, try raising the DPI. LCDs often don't look very good at anything besides their native resolution, but if you increase the DPI to, say, 125ppi instead of 96 (usually the default for XP), it'll make most text/etc bigger.

[blueonblack]

Instead of lowering the resolution, try raising the DPI.

I think I should be ashamed to admit that I've got no idea how to do that. (But I'm not.) :)

[x88x]

http://www.lawfirmsoftware.com/support/change_dpi_settings_xp.htm

[blueonblack]

Thanks very much. It would seem that I lack the requisite level of administrative privelege to change vital settings like that.

+rep anyway

[x88x]

Bah. Stupid privilege restrictions. :P There are ways around that, but I won't undermine your IT dept that much.. :whistler: I would bug one of them, telling them exactly what you want done and how to do it, until it gets done. Or try bugging their boss...or their boss' boss.