Reinstalled Windows ME, can't adjust screen resolution

[Benjuahns]

Long story short, major problems with computer (Dell probably 3-4 years old). Originally had Windows ME, a few months ago upgraded it to XP but still didn't work worth a crap. So I decided to put ME back on. I think that I completely wiped out the C drive when I reinstalled ME. My first problem is that I can't adjust the color (only opton is 16 bit) and I can't adjust the screen resolution. The color is terrible. I don't really know much about computers. My uneducated guess is that since I deleted everything, I deleted the necessary drivers. ??? Am I close? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Im sure this is just the 1st of many questions.

Ben

[rjfvillarosa]

You are right But if you used the original recovery cd from dell the drivers will be on it.
You say your not to well up on computers, can you get to the control panel and then in to "system" and "device manager"?
In device manager you will find the make/model of your graphics adapter. make a note of it and go to www.driverguide.com and from here you will be able to download the neccesary driver, after which you can go back to device manager and via properties you will be able to update the driver.
Many of the drivers on driverguide are Zip files, do you know anything about Zip files?.

[GaryRouth]

. . . and if your Dell CD set had a CD named "Resource Disk" - the video drivers should be on that. If you're not sure which one to use, you can try looking in Device Manager, but I'm going to guess that all you'll see at the moment is "Standard VGA", since an exact match driver isn't installed yet.

If you have a folder on your Programs menu that starts with "Dell", it might contain documents for your installation (hopefully including a parts list, or a specifications page) - look for your video device name there. If you kept the paperwork the Dell came with, it will also have the info you need. [...and if you still have the Dell sticker in the back, look for your customer ID and then you can access your exact specs on the Dell support website...]

If you can't find any info: there are programs that try to identify hardware, you can try a program like BelArc Advisor & see if it has any luck identifying your video device http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Of course, you can also shut Windows down, power off, and unplug things, and then open the case & inspect the card [if there is one - if your video is "onboard" or "integrated", you won't have a "card" to look at]. Before opening things: if you have an add-on card in a tower case, you monitor's plug will fit horizontally in. If you have onboard sound, the plug will be vertical, and up near your mouse & keyboard connectors.

. . . Gary

[P.S. ... noticed that this is your first post here: Welcome to the PC Mechanic forums! . . . - - and Hi, rjfv! ]

[Benjuahns]

Thanks guys. Got the correct video driver installed. I'm sure I'll be back again with another question.