Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 309569

You Cannot Select the Highest Monitor Graphics Modes

The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

This article was previously published under Q309569

SYMPTOMS
When you try to select the highest possible refresh rates or resolutions that are supported by your monitor and video adapter, you may be unable to do so.

CAUSE
This problem can occur because of the way Windows calculates the supported graphics modes based on the information in your monitor's .inf file. The .inf file lists a maximum supported horizontal and vertical bandwidth for that monitor, and Windows calculates the supported video modes based on this data. In some cases, the algorithm that is used is too conservative, and this can prevent you from using the highest possible modes that are supported by your monitor. Note that there may be limitations that are imposed by the video adapter as well.

WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.
Your Monitor and Video Adapter Support Plug and Play
If your monitor and video adapter support Plug and Play, use the Display tool in Control Panel to change the monitor driver to "Plug and Play Monitor." When you do so, Windows queries your monitor to determine the supported video modes instead of calculating them based on the monitor's .inf file.
Your Monitor and Video Adapter Do Not Support Plug and Play
If your monitor and video adapter do not support Plug and Play, set the video mode manually:
Determine the exact video modes that your monitor can support. To do so, view the documentation that is included with your monitor, or contact the manufacturer of your monitor.

WARNING: If you cannot determine the exact video modes that your monitor can support, you should not proceed with the following steps. If you use the following steps and choose a video mode that your monitor cannot support, you may permanently damage your monitor, your video adapter, or both.

Start the Display tool in Control Panel.

Click the Settings tab, click Advanced, click the Monitor tab, and then click to clear the Hide Modes that this monitor cannot display check box.

In the Screen refresh rate box, click a screen refresh rate that your monitor can support, click OK, and then click OK.

STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.