I just reinstalled windows 98 on an old computer. My problem is that the previous time I had it installed on that computer I had resoulution and color choices.This time my only choices are 2 or 16 colors and 640x480. I am using the same monitor. I also put the HD in my other computer which uses a monitor that can go up to 1280x1024 (thats what I have it set on for winme)and it still had those minimal options.What do I do? I plan on giving it away, and I don't want it to look like that. I hope someone can help. thanks

It's the video card and not the monitor. When windows doesn't know what kind of video you have it installs a generic driver that only gives 16 colors and 640 x 480 resolution. You need to install the correct drivers for the video adapter.

Drivers are software that allow your video card to work properly. You might have a CD that came with the machine which has the drivers on it. If not you need to know the name of your video card. One way to get this information (unless you already know) is to download a free program called Everest which gives this information about your hardware, plus a whole lot more. You can find it if you search for "Everest System Information". You need to know if your video card is "onboard" (built into the motherboard) or an add-on card. If it is onboard then go to your computer manafacturers or motherboard website and look there. If it is an add-on then search Google using the information provided by Everest or go to the video card suppliers website. DerekW

please can someone tell me how to install the graphic drivers into my compaq armada laptop,the drivers at the moment are in my documents,i cannot alter my display from 16 to 32 bit ,which it was before i formaatted the hard drive. thanks paul. p stratfull

The compaq downloads are usually .exe files. Running the file will either install the drivers or will create a series of floppy disks from which you install the drivers. Browse to your 'my documents' folder and double click on the downloaded file. Then follow the displayed instructions.