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12 Replies Last post: May 26, 2007 1:33 AM by mphenterprises

theredhotblues

2 posts since
May 24, 2007

May 24, 2007 3:43 PM

Screen resolution stuck.

Help, I restarted my computer and when I turned my computer back on, it looked like I was in safe mode, so I restarted my computer again because I was half asleep so I thought I might have acsidently hit F8, but it seems my computer is stuck this way. My screen resolution is 680x400 with only 4 bit of color. It looks like I have new programs installed on my computer and so far Adaware hasn't found anything. Any help would be appriciated.

mphenterprises

9,119 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

1. May 24, 2007 4:33 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Hi theredhotblues. I don't believe this is a virus or spyware issue. However, it would help if you provide your computer specification, especially what Operating System you are using. This information will help all forum members investigate your problem more effectively.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

theredhotblues

2 posts since
May 24, 2007

2. May 24, 2007 4:56 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

I am using Windows XP Home Edition. When I go under change settings my only options are the resolution I named earlier and the color I named. I removed the software that I hadn't seen before. I do believe that it is a virus attack or something of the sort because I can't figure out what else it could be.

jbking

967 posts since
Aug 29, 2006

3. May 24, 2007 5:15 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

What video card/system does your computer have and could you possibly try to re-install the drivers to get back other settings? This is what I'd suggest at the moment.

Regards,
JB

Home Desktop: VoodooPC Hexx. AMD Athlon FX-60, 2 GB RAM, 2 x 250 GB HD, 7900 GTX video card. Home Laptop: HP dv4000, Pentium M, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, ATi 700 Radeon Mobility

mphenterprises

9,119 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

4. May 24, 2007 5:16 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Do not just assume it's a virus just because you can't figure out the problem.

The first thing I would suggest is to do a System Restore to a previous point. If that doesn't work, I would update your graphic card drivers.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

Westley

12 posts since
Apr 28, 2007

5. May 25, 2007 7:33 AM

in response to: theredhotblues

theredhotblues is my girlfriend. She's posted my problem for me. My video card is no longer supported >_> I did find the cd and reinstalled it and it didn't work. I used the trouble shoot feature of xp and i figured out how to make it 800 by 600 by default, but it still wouldn't go any higher. I did a system restore back to last saturday and it seemed to fix the problem for now. :cry:

mphenterprises

9,119 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

6. May 25, 2007 7:41 AM

in response to: theredhotblues

Hi Westley. Great, glad it all worked out for you. Glad we could help.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

rgreen4

4,211 posts since
Oct 22, 2006

7. May 25, 2007 2:35 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Screen Resolution

Westly - take the opportunity to do a complete backup now.

Adaware is an anti spy ware program. You also need an anti virus program. A good one that has the right price is AVG Free 7.5 from Grissoft. I have it on all my machines. The only problem I have ever had (still do) is that once you download and set it up for update on demand (I did this on my laptop when I was on dial up) I have not found a way to make it update itself. My other two machines do, however.

Then do a full sweep. I agree with mphenterprises in that what you had (especially with programs you didn't load) was a virus. I would not assume it is gone just yet either. Take action now before it comes back.

mphenterprises

9,119 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

8. May 25, 2007 2:47 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Hi rgreen4. I think you may have misread my posts. LOL :lol: I didn't think this situation was associated to viruses. I felt it was more a graphics card issue or some sort of conflict in any new setting. It seems as though by Westley doing a System Restore, his computer corrected itself.

However, I do agree with you 100% that Westley should do a full system backup and virus scan. AVG is one of the best FREE anti-virus programs. I am a bit confused as to the problem you say you have?

AVG updates on its own. Double click on the AVG icon and click the "Scheduler" link. Once you do that, you should be able to click on "Scheduled Tasks" at the lower right hand corner of the screen. Once you do that, you will see two line entries: "Test Plan in Basic Mode" and "Update Plan in Basic Mode." Click on the Update section and then click "Edit Schedule" in the lower left hand corner of the screen. That's it. You can pick whatever time you want AVG to update on a daily basis.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

Westley

12 posts since
Apr 28, 2007

9. May 25, 2007 4:06 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

i have an 80 gig external hard drive and everything well most is backed up on it. I already have adaware SE personal, Spyboy search and destroy, and spyware terminator, so i think i'm good. I'll try the program anyway just in case. I already did a full sweep with my other programs and it found nothing alarming, but it still bothers me it did it just randomly. I already uninstalled the programs that magically appears and my computerand it's running fine now. Only thing i can do now is wait. If worse comes to worse i'll reformate. It never has been before and it's going on five years old XD My brother is now forbidden to get on the net, so that's probably the source of where it came from.

mphenterprises

9,119 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

10. May 25, 2007 4:12 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Hi Westley. Well, you seem on top of everything and I am glad everything is back to "normal." I will leave the notification option on and if you run into any more problems, post and I am sure you will find answers again.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

rgreen4

4,211 posts since
Oct 22, 2006

11. May 25, 2007 7:58 PM

in response to: theredhotblues

Screen Resolution

Westley you list three anti-spyware programs and no Anti-virus programs.

Hey - mphenterprises - thanks for the tip. I have got it updated. I agree with you on the quality as does the PCW testing group. I was initially leary because most free programs are not that great.