I received the new computer last night. I hooked it up, started it, but when it tries to start to load the OS, my monitor screen goes black and flashes "out of range". It is a 19inch LCD Monitor.

I have a feeling either my monitor isn't compatible with the new OS since it works on my other PC that is running XP MCE2002, or I need to adjust my screen resolution for it to work.

Thank you in advance! This is driving me nuts!

Congratulations on getting the SlimLine I have one like that (s7700n). As for the signal out-of-range error message, see the following HP article. Please post back if it don't.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...

i_Xp/VistaUser

press F8 and boot with the following option:

enable low-resolution (640x480)

now you can adjust the resolution to match your monitor. for 19" TFT/LCD the optimal setting is usually 1280x1024, 32bit and most important 60 Hz.

XPUser:
I followed the directions to boot up in safe mode. However...(ugh!) when it loaded up, a popup came up saying "Windows cannot complete installation in safe mode. To Continue installing Windows, restart your computer."
I hit OK, then it restarts and still gives me the out of range message on my monitor.

Windows cannot complete installation in safe mode...

What were you installing? Were you initializing the preloaded Windows Vista?

Curious - what is the monitor brand & model you are using?

i_Xp/VistaUser

All I did was open the box and start it up lol. It hasn't even initialized the first boot up into Vista yet.

I am using a Synaps 19 inch LCD monitor, in which I called Wal-Mart to ask them about this, and they don't even sell this thing no more!

Synaps? Never heard of it. Walmart? I never have and never will buy computers, cameras, anything electronics from them.

The fact that your SlimLine is new and the loading of the preinstalled Vista gets hunged and Walmart cannot help you - if I were you, I will just return the computer for full refund.

The reason is that any problems that surfaced in the very beginning is a sign of unhappy experience with Vista.

Buying a different monitor may or may not not make the Windows cannot complete installation in safe mode disappear for good. You will have to do some troubleshooting to overcome it.

Save yourself the aggravations - it's not worth it over the long run, especially with your brand new PC.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Would I be able to just install XP on the boot up menu? Instead of going thru the hassle with Vista?

It's going to be another hurtle for you to overcome - HP support & distribute drivers that will work only with Vista.

i_Xp/VistaUser

Not only that, I also believe you most likely will get the same Signal out-of-range error with XP too. Your so-called low-quality monitor may be totally incompatible with HP Slimline video cards.

i_Xp/VistaUser

What about a new monitor maybe?

Read Post 6 again. I already mentioned something about it.

i_Xp/VistaUser

what about 'Enable Low-Resolution' from the boot menu? this not 'safe mode' and the installation might proceed and finalize. have you tried?

Since you just bought the PC, I assume you have a restore CD or reinstall option? I'd run that. It sounds like when they did the install at the factory they, 1 - had a different monitor hooked up and, 2 - they didn't finish the full install.

Vista still has to setup and finish installing. The best suggestions I have are use the restore CD and begin again... Vista should then see your monitor and allow lower resolutions... or hookup another monitor from another computer or older computer as that might be able to use the resolution that Vista is attempting.

TK.

Unfortunately HP machines do not come with Restore CD. You have to create one from within Windows.

Certain HP models allow you to restore your system without CD by hitting F11 key at bootup. However, HP recommends that you create recovery discs to be sure that you can restore your system to its original factory if you experience serious system failure or instability.

That's OK if the PC has been in use for longer period of time but in this case it's TOTALLY NEW and it shouldn't be happening. Hence return the PC for refund or replacement.

i_Xp/VistaUser