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My Computer is Missing Colors


Question:
I gave my daughter a new computer for Christmas and she gave me her old one to keep photos on and edit them etc. The graphics look awful on this old computer and when I try to change the settings and restart the computer, it comes back on exactly like it was before I tried to change them. The computer is running Windows 98. It is a Hewlett-Packard bought in 1999. Any ideas? Thanks

Answer:
One way you can troubleshoot this problem is by uninstalling the graphics driver, rebooting your computer, and reinstalling the drivers. You will need the drivers that came with your video card or updated drivers and the Windows 98 installation disk.

There are two methods of reinstalling the drivers. One, let windows detect the device after the reboot, and follow the new hardware wizard. And two, Cancel the wizard as soon as Windows 98 detects the device and run the setup program that came with your video card.

I prefer the latter method because if you let Windows install it, it will try to “guess” as to the most appropriate drivers. If this happens you may have problems upgrading the drivers later. On the other hand, if you stop windows from installing the default drivers, you can install the manufacturer's drivers without conflict.

Here's how to do this operation:

  1. right click on MyComputer
  2. click on Properties
  3. click on Device Manager
  4. click on the [+] next to the Display Adapters (it looks like a tiny monitor)
  5. click on the adapter listed, and delete/remove it.
 

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