Windows 98 colour and 'pixel' loss.

[Mossstock]

Hi, Ime john, a completely non computer minded sort of guy, and am looking for help please. As our family PC has just 'died', I am using an old PC running windows 98se, which has lost its colour clarity and 'pixel' density. basically, you cant make out any pictures/images. this happened last year and someone told me it was a 'driver' and how to find and download the right one. it worked, but after a year of not being used, its gone again. can anyone help me please, with easy instructions on which site and download to use? sincere thanks, John.


The PC uses a quantum fireball hard drive, and on the motherboard is the following; FC Canada Close, Class B ICE5. There are two serial numbers,

EA00D009323332 and P8HC006604. Its an Intel processor, with PHGA370 stamped on. Is this enough info to work with? Thanks again.


The family PC uses XP, so I will post on there also in the hope someone can kindly help too.

[Rob]

John.

Are all of the icons and images really big compared to what you are used to?

[Mossstock]

Hi Rob and thanks.

The pictures and icons are all normal size, just very grainy looking and lacking in colour.

Thanks again,

John

[pharoah]

how old is the monitor?depending on its age it could be degrading.

[Rob]

John,

Do you know how to adjust the display settings on your computer? If so, I would check and see how many colors you have it set for. It sounds like it may be at 16, which would give the affect you are describing. If it will not let you set it to anything higher then you need to reinstall the driver for your video card or monitor. Let me know how you make out.

[Mossstock]

Thanks Rob. I am unable to adjust the colour, it just does not allow me to do so. Are you able to help me with where to find the right driver download, and how to install it please? I am rather clueless when it comes to these sort of things!

Sincere thanks,

John

[Rob]

John,

Do you know what kind of video card you have in the computer?

[Mossstock]

It says that its a standard VGA graphics card Rob,

cheers,

John

[Alan]

Does it say its a Standard VGA in system properties?
If it does then it only supports 16 colours. Switch to Super VGA for 256 colours.

[Alan]

Here is Step by Step instructions:

To specify the Windows Standard VGA driver in Windows 98:

1. Right-click the desktop, and then choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

2. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.

3. Select the Adapter tab, make a note of the Adapter Type the computer is currently using, and then click Change.

4. In the Update Device Driver Wizard dialog box, click Next.

5. Select "Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location, so you can select the driver you want," and then click Next.

6. Select Show All Hardware.

7. Select Standard Display Types from the top of the Manufacturers scroll box.

8. Select Standard Display Adapter (VGA) from the Models scroll box, and then click Next.

Note: Standard Display Adapter (VGA) video drivers display only 16 colors. Switch to Super VGA for 256 colors.
9. Click Yes to confirm that you want to use this driver.

10. Click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. You may need to insert your Windows 98 CD-ROM.

11. Click the Monitor tab, make a note of the Monitor Type you're currently using, and then click Change.

12. In the Update Device Driver Wizard dialog box, click Next.

13. Select "Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location, so you can select the driver you want," and then click Next.

14. Select Show All Hardware.

15. Select Standard Monitor Types from the top of the Manufacturers scroll box.

16. Select Standard VGA 640x480 from the Models scroll box, and then click Next.

17. Click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. You may need to insert your Windows 98 CD-ROM.