[bamakodaker]

Compaq 5150, new HD, Win98 - I've been installing the software enhancements that came with the computer. I claim to have been carefully reading and following directions - sometimes printing out, sometimes writing. "Somehow" I now have a little, disturbing distortion of my images. Just outside this writing block is a pattern, very light - a series of dots, a bit smaller than this period. Above this block, where it is a little bit darker, the pattern is more a series of light lines. The grey in the outer edges seems to be OK. The yellow of the smilies seems fine. On my desktop the icons are a good bit larger than normal. The desktop's background image - the Compaq logo - is broken up. Not really distorted but skipping parts.
Sorry, I don't know that even a screen shot (that I don't know how to do) would show up what I'm seeing.

Any suggestions?
bamakodaker

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Updating the video adapter driver from the manufacturers site would be a good move

[Retired Tech]

Updating the video adapter driver from the manufacturers site would be a good move

[bamakodaker]

Ummm, could you tell me how to verify what brand video card I have? Then I'll check their site for updates for Win98.

Much thanks,
bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

Download Everest Home Edition here

Everest Home Edition

Run the programme, click + next to computer then summary

Look on right for Display / Video Adapter

Look at the manufacturer’s site for the suitable driver for your Operating System

If you are unable to find it, please post the make and model here before you download anything

[bamakodaker]

I appreciate the suggestion. While reading around in the information I got back after the scan I noticed their suggestions - to increase resolution and color depth for better visuals.
What I did was to go - Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display - Tab for Settings
I set screen area to 800 X 600. Colors I had changed but did something wrong and it reverted to 256 colors. My other options are High Color (16 bit), True Color (24 bit) and True Color (32 bit). I haven't look at any photographic images but so far things look a WHOLE lot better than it had been.

I have NOT downloaded any update for the Video card driver. I initially was looking for that during a reloading of software and updates. As far as the driver - should I adopt the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" policy?

I appreciate the help to those TWO questions.

Thanks for the time,
bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

I would go with if it ain't broke don't fix it

Everest will let you know what is on your PC should you need to update anything in the future

[bamakodaker]

Back to post #5 - first question - - leave color setting as is or would one of the other settings be better?

Thanks,
bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

You can change the setting to 16 bit then reboot and see how it looks

Post the make and model of the video adapter and I will try and get it's ideal settings

[bamakodaker]

Well, I thought I could do it myself! I used the link Everest provided. It got me an ATI video player! Couldn't find any drivers. Here's my info -
OS - WIN98
Video card -
Company Name ATI Technologies Inc.
Device Description RAGE LT PRO AGP 2X (English)
Chip Type Mach64LT
DAC Type Internal
Installed Drivers macxw4.drv

bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

Try here

https://support.ati....dge&folderID=27

Click Windows 98 drivers and software

Click Rage

Click Rage LT Pro

Click red filename under download

[bamakodaker]

I greatly appreciate the link. Here is what I found -
Knowledge Base
ATI Customer Care > Drivers and Software > Windows 98 / 98 SE >
No Topics or Subcategories found!
<< Please select a diferent category from the left menu

On the left I followed links and it took me to the video player. It is a separate software, a video player platform called -
Windows 9x/ME Video Player version 5.35.0002.

I know somehow I can go where no one else can get to so if I've done it again, please straighten me out!

With MUCH thanks,
bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

Try here

http://fileforum.bet..._9x/955430609/1

Press download now before you get sidetracked

[bamakodaker]

It wasn't that I got sidetracked but that I had to get some chores done. Five days of vacation and I'm at home doing chores and trying to straighten up my computer! yeha

I do appreciate your link - but (of course you'll just LOVE this one!) it came in a zip file, I don't have an unzip program. Which do you recommend? Sure as I choose one I'll find it now compatible or causing problems somehow!

bamakodaker

[Retired Tech]

Edited

[bamakodaker]

Several points -

I always appreciate the help. I understand you guys are very busy. I SURE understand you can't remember what all is going on in each thread. If you look back to my Post 11 you will see that I had already followed through the ATI site for update. INSTEAD of a DRIVER update, it sends you a DIFFERENT software program. Not a DRIVER put a PLAYER "platform" so you can record or play video. So I already have used the link you sent me.

On my Display settings I changed Color and Screen Area size and images look fine. I went through Device Manager and updated RAGE driver (9-11-2005).

I guess I should call this done.

Would you advise of a good UNZIP program?

With much appreciation for your time and advice,
bamakodaker