Win XP and display resolutions

bill1971 · April 3rd, 2003, 04:31 PM

I've installed XP Pro on two machines, and XP Home Ed. on one box. I know we all have somewhat of a love/hate relationship w/ this OS for some obvious reasons, but one of my biggest complaints is the manner in which the display doesn't "autofill" the screen on CRTs. You have to manipulate the on-screen display geometries to fix this ; then, if you change resolutions, you get the same thing, having to re-adjust to fill the screen.
This happens on both AMD and Intel systems, using budget as well as high-end CRTs.

XP seems to do fine with either VGA or DVI-connected LCDs.

Is this strictly an ATI / WinXP / CRT thing? Or does this happen with NVidia-based displays as well?

Are there "patches" for this anomaly??

Thanks for the input.

- Bill

**EvilRick** · April 3rd, 2003, 04:35 PM

I always use the "List All Modes" button so I can set the refresh rate as well. Just selecting a resolution from the settings, usually doesn't get the correct refresh rate. Be sure you have the drivers for your monitor loaded as well. Make sure it doesn't say "Plug and Play Monitor", otherwise, it will default to 60Hz refresh rate on any resolution you choose.

jkrohn · April 3rd, 2003, 04:37 PM

I don't think this has anything to do with the refresh rate. I get the same thing and it pisses me off

Mine doesn't get too far off, but enough to make me mad

I have an NVidia ti4200 so its not just an ATI thing.

Jkrohn

**EvilRick** · April 3rd, 2003, 04:41 PM

When I do a fresh install of XP Pro, when I first set my res. to 1024X768, the refresh rate is at 60Hz and the screen doesn't fill up the monitor. I go into advanced and select the adapter tab, the do "List All Modes" and set the refresh rate to 85Hz. Miraculously, the screen then fills the entire monitor. I don't have to mess w/ any monitor controls.

bill1971 · April 3rd, 2003, 05:23 PM

Thanks j and ER:

Right, if I'm not mistaken, XP always defaults to 60Hz for any monitor, CRT or LCD.

I do have a habit, if my "bench" monitor is not "mated" to a particular box, of just going with the "Plug and Play" driver, so Rick, you bring up a good point. If your CRT mfr does not provide Win2K or XP drivers, you're pretty much relegated to fighting w/ the geometries.

Thanks for the input.

- Bill