Colors will not "stick"

I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98 (se), I discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I have installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade the color or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color), the system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system needs to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color changes without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked. Again, the video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the monitor is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb that may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings tab, then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your PC, see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks, use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to a MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may also work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q and hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/ If all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at where the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card and if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information displayed on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you found in one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include all the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it. Don't work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the card in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull the card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel, system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98 (se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade the color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color), the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked. Again, the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

Ron:
Thanks for replying.
The right number of colors DO appear as choices; originally, they did not -- but they did once I installed the drivers for the STB card inside the box.

Is there some 'hidden' setting (in a bat or ini file, perhaps) preventing higher colors that would not be controlled by MSConfig? I can choose either 256 or high color in control panel, but it always reverts to 16 colors

Any help would be appreciated!


"Ron Badour" wrote:

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb that may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings tab, then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your PC, see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks, use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to a MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may also work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q and hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/ If all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at where the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card and if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information displayed on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you found in one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include all the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it. Don't work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the card in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull the card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel, system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98 (se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade the color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color), the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked. Again, the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

Hi Jack

I still think it is the wrong driver that is causing the problem. I should
have told you that I provided my standard blurb that talks about color
choices only for information to use in identifying the correct driver.
Sometimes you can hunt down what you think is the correct driver only to
find that you might need a special one issued by the computer maker.
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in message
...
Ron:
Thanks for replying.
The right number of colors DO appear as choices; originally, they did
not -- but they did once I installed the drivers for the STB card inside the
box.

Is there some 'hidden' setting (in a bat or ini file, perhaps) preventing
higher colors that would not be controlled by MSConfig? I can choose either
256 or high color in control panel, but it always reverts to 16 colors

Any help would be appreciated!


"Ron Badour" wrote:

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb that
may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings tab,
then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your
display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a
display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your PC,
see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control
panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks, use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to a
MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may also
work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter
should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q and
hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/ If
all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at where
the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location
inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card and
if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information displayed
on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use
www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you found in
one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include all
the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in
order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it. Don't
work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static
electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the card
in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull the
card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel,
system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as
appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98 (se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade the
color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color), the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system
needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked. Again,
the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the
monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

Thanks, Ron.
Well, if it's still the driver, how do I find out WHICH one I need?
The one installed now matches the display adapter, and was downloaded from the manufacturer's web site last week. From what I could see, it was the most recent version.

"Ron Badour" wrote:

Hi Jack

I still think it is the wrong driver that is causing the problem. I should
have told you that I provided my standard blurb that talks about color
choices only for information to use in identifying the correct driver.
Sometimes you can hunt down what you think is the correct driver only to
find that you might need a special one issued by the computer maker.
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in message
...
Ron:
Thanks for replying.
The right number of colors DO appear as choices; originally, they did
not -- but they did once I installed the drivers for the STB card inside the
box.

Is there some 'hidden' setting (in a bat or ini file, perhaps) preventing
higher colors that would not be controlled by MSConfig? I can choose either
256 or high color in control panel, but it always reverts to 16 colors

Any help would be appreciated!


"Ron Badour" wrote:

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb that
may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings tab,
then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your
display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a
display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your PC,
see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control
panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks, use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to a
MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may also
work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter
should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q and
hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/ If
all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at where
the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location
inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card and
if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information displayed
on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use
www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you found in
one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include all
the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in
order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it. Don't
work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static
electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the card
in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull the
card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel,
system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as
appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98 (se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade the
color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color), the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system
needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked. Again,
the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the
monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

Hi Jack,

Do you **positively know** the exact nomenclature (for example, my adapter
is: ATI Tech Inc, Rage 128 Pro AGP 4X TMDS) of the board (you listed:
"STB Nvideo ZX" but I think you spelled nVidia wrong)? If so, what is it?
What brand PC is it in? Where did you get the driver from?

Sometimes the most recent driver version won't work right on a particular PC
and you must use an older one. Likewise, if the board came in a Dell (for
instance), then your first stop would be the Dell web site rather than a
driver web site or nVidia's site.

By the way, I was in Capitol Airport last Monday returning from a visit with
my Mom. It rained much of the time I was in Michigan and it has rained
nearly constantly since I got back to Texas. I don't know if I am
attracting the lousy weather or if Michigan's weather figured it hadn't
punished me enough yet and followed me here. G
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Ron.
Well, if it's still the driver, how do I find out WHICH one I need?
The one installed now matches the display adapter, and was downloaded from
the manufacturer's web site last week. From what I could see, it was the
most recent version.

"Ron Badour" wrote:

Hi Jack

I still think it is the wrong driver that is causing the problem. I
should
have told you that I provided my standard blurb that talks about color
choices only for information to use in identifying the correct driver.
Sometimes you can hunt down what you think is the correct driver only to
find that you might need a special one issued by the computer maker.
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in
message
...
Ron:
Thanks for replying.
The right number of colors DO appear as choices; originally, they did
not -- but they did once I installed the drivers for the STB card inside
the
box.

Is there some 'hidden' setting (in a bat or ini file, perhaps)
preventing
higher colors that would not be controlled by MSConfig? I can choose
either
256 or high color in control panel, but it always reverts to 16 colors

Any help would be appreciated!


"Ron Badour" wrote:

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb
that
may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number
of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings
tab,
then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your
display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a
display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your
PC,
see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control
panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks,
use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to
a
MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will
display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may
also
work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter
should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q
and
hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced
PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/
If
all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at
where
the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location
inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card
and
if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information
displayed
on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use
www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you
found in
one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include
all
the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in
order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord
is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it.
Don't
work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static
electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the
card
in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull
the
card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel,
system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as
appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote
in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98
(se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I
have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade
the
color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color),
the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system
needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color
changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked.
Again,
the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the
monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any

"Ron Badour"wrote in message:
snip
By the way, I was in Capitol Airport last Monday returning from a visit with
my Mom. It rained much of the time I was in Michigan and it has rained
nearly constantly since I got back to Texas. I don't know if I am
attracting the lousy weather or if Michigan's weather figured it hadn't
punished me enough yet and followed me here. G

LOL. Murphy has you in his sights!!



--
Brian A.

Jack of all trades, Master of none.
One can never truly be a master as there is always more to learn.

Ron:
It's a nice coincidence that you were at our airport recently; however, I am SURE that the weather just was attracted to you there in Texas ... Michigan is noted for its balmy, sunny weather.

I got the problem solved last night. The adapater and drivers were not the problem; in system.ini, the variable 'display.fallback=0' statement had been commented out (disabled). As soon as I made that line active, the controls behaved just fine -- it's currently on 256 color without any problems.

Thanks for the help!
Jack

"Ron Badour" wrote:

Hi Jack,

Do you **positively know** the exact nomenclature (for example, my adapter
is: ATI Tech Inc, Rage 128 Pro AGP 4X TMDS) of the board (you listed:
"STB Nvideo ZX" but I think you spelled nVidia wrong)? If so, what is it?
What brand PC is it in? Where did you get the driver from?

Sometimes the most recent driver version won't work right on a particular PC
and you must use an older one. Likewise, if the board came in a Dell (for
instance), then your first stop would be the Dell web site rather than a
driver web site or nVidia's site.

By the way, I was in Capitol Airport last Monday returning from a visit with
my Mom. It rained much of the time I was in Michigan and it has rained
nearly constantly since I got back to Texas. I don't know if I am
attracting the lousy weather or if Michigan's weather figured it hadn't
punished me enough yet and followed me here. G
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Ron.
Well, if it's still the driver, how do I find out WHICH one I need?
The one installed now matches the display adapter, and was downloaded from
the manufacturer's web site last week. From what I could see, it was the
most recent version.

"Ron Badour" wrote:

Hi Jack

I still think it is the wrong driver that is causing the problem. I
should
have told you that I provided my standard blurb that talks about color
choices only for information to use in identifying the correct driver.
Sometimes you can hunt down what you think is the correct driver only to
find that you might need a special one issued by the computer maker.
--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" wrote in
message
...
Ron:
Thanks for replying.
The right number of colors DO appear as choices; originally, they did
not -- but they did once I installed the drivers for the STB card inside
the
box.

Is there some 'hidden' setting (in a bat or ini file, perhaps)
preventing
higher colors that would not be controlled by MSConfig? I can choose
either
256 or high color in control panel, but it always reverts to 16 colors

Any help would be appreciated!


"Ron Badour" wrote:

It is probably the wrong driver Jack. Here is my standard blurb
that
may
help:

When the correct screen resolution (screen area) or the right number
of
colors are not available choices in display properties, settings
tab,
then
it is a good bet you do not have the right driver installed for your
display
adapter. The display adapter in your PC is either a video card or a
display
chipset on the motherboard.

If you received a CD or floppy disks with drivers along with your
PC,
see if
they contain a display adapter driver and install it using: control
panel,
system, device manager, display adapter.

If you know what display adapter your PC has but you have no disks,
use
www.google.com to track down the correct driver on the internet.

If you do not know what display adapter your PC uses, you can go to
a
MS-DOS
prompt and type: Debug and hit enter. The screen will
display a
flashing prompt next to a - sign. Type: DC000:35 (DC000:50 may
also
work)
and hit enter. The name and possibly model of your display adapter
should
appear on the right hand side of the screen. To quit Debug, type Q
and
hit
enter. If Debug is not helpful, you can try this program: Advanced
PCI
Info, available at: http://www.upsystems.com.ua/support/alexmina/
If
all
else fails, you will have to remove the computer case. Look at
where
the
monitor plugs into the back of the case and then check that location
inside
the case. If there is a card there, you obviously have a video card
and
if
not, you have on board graphics. Write down any information
displayed
on
either the card or the chipset on the motherboard. Then use
www.google.com
to search for the information. Do not include all the data you
found in
one
search message--search on each piece individually. If you include
all
the
information at once, you might not get a hit.

I have found that a video card will generally have to be removed in
order to
see the information. Be careful of static electricity as it can fry
components. Before touching anything in the computer case (the cord
is
unplugged, right?), ground yourself to the case by touching it.
Don't
work
on carpeting since shuffling your feet on it can generate static
electricity
after you grounded yourself. Remove the one screw that holds the
card
in
place and using a rocking motion (left to right and back) and pull
the
card
straight out.

Once you have the right driver, install it through control panel,
system,
device manager or through control panel, add new hardware, as
appropriate.



--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Jack in Lansing" Jack in wrote
in
message ...
I bought a used computer, without OS. After installing Win98
(se), I
discovered that the video adapter drivers were not present, but I
have
installed those now.

Everything SEEMS to be fine ... until I actually try to upgrade
the
color
or resolution. When I change from 16 color to 256 (or high color),
the
system reverts back to 16 color (even though it says that the system
needs
to restart for the settings to take effect). [The 'apply color
changes
without restarting' box is checked.]

I checked in MSConfig, and the 480*600*16 line is UNChecked.
Again,
the
video adapter driver files match the hardware (STB Nvideo ZX); the
monitor
is Plug&Play.

Any ideas on a cure?

So -- any