Monitor out of scan resolution

[4153sh]

I have a 13 yr old Compaq SVGA monitor and a 4 yr old HP6535 PAvilion computer. The monitor has been working without any problems with the resolution set at 800x600. I accidentally click the 1280x1023 resolution. Now, whenever the computer is turned on, all I see are fussy lines covering the entire screen. Since I cann't see anything on the screen, it cannot be reset back the 800x600 resolution. Would appreciate suggestions from anyone.

[thePh@r@oh]

boot into safe mode and uninstall the video drivers when you come back it will be on low resolution you can then reinstall the drivers.

[4153sh]

Thanks for your advice, thePh@r@oh. Being not a hardware man at all, would you plse explain how I boot the computer into safe mode. Does "uninstall the video driver" means physically remove a piece of hardware from inside the computer?

[S.D.Willie]

shouldnt have to uninstall drivers since you didnt install any recently. to boot in safe mode hold down the F8 key when the computer is booting(its whats called the POST or power on self test)you should get a selection and choose "safe mode". it can easily be missed so just keep tapping F8 after the first inital screen, it should get you in there.
then just change the display properties from right clicking on the desktop and choosing properties but im guessing you know that already.

edit: it shouldnt apply in your case but if you had to uninstall the drivers its basically going into the "add/remove programs" menu in the control panel and uninstalling that particular driver from there. there are other ways but thats the easiest and best but again, just sounds to me that monitor/graphics card doesnt support that resolution and needs to be changed back.

[4153sh]

Following your instructions I got the safe mode and the Display Properties screen. Within the Display Proerties screen, I clicked the Settings button.The new screen shows Colors(16 colors) and screen area (640x480) - neither settings can be changed. Still can't change the resolution to 800x600. Any suggestions?
Thanks again.

[4153sh]

From the safe mode, I finally succeeded in changing back the resolution to 800x600 and everything works perfectly as before! Thanks to all of you.