Non-standard Resolution

[alexsdu]

OK, here's the story. Several weeks ago, I helped a friend to format and reinstall his netbook, I presumed it's a netbook coz it got no internal optical drive.

Here's the catch, the netbook's default screen resolution ratio is not the standard 4:3 or 16:9. If my memories serve me well, I believe it was 800x480(I could be wrong, though).
Somehow by miracle, he accidentally changed the display resolution to Windows' optional setting, 4:3(I don't know which size he chose).
Now he can't read/click on things at the bottom, especially when he tried to install software, due to the resolution is bigger that the screen. Even Windows Start button also cannot be seen.

Is there any way to get it back to it's original screen ratio setting? Coz it's not available in the Windows' screen resolution option.
If possible, without having to use the System Restore option.

*PS - He's using Windows XP Pro.

 

[xyzapy]

With the Windows' screen resolution option, you mean this?

You could try using regedit (I wouldn't recommend it though), following these instructions. Note that to open regedit, you could use [Windows + R], type 'regedit' and hit enter. This should work even if you can't see the taskbar. If this doesn't work, make sure to revert any edits you have done in the register.

 

[alexsdu]

With the Windows' screen resolution option, you mean this?

Yup, that's was the first thing I go to to change the resolution, but the original resolution size(800x480) was not in the list. It only got those normal standard sizes.

I thing I'm gonna have a go with the regedit. Hopefully that will solve it.
I'll let y'all know the outcome of this.

If you guys have any more ideas or suggestion, don't be shy and post it. Share it with everybody.

 

[Will98]

Umm...don't know if you tried this or not, 'cause this happens when I plug my lappy to the tv...but check to see if your friend's netbook is set to "display to external screen or CRT option"

To me it just seems he set it to display externally and the netbook thinks it's a tv...

Edit: Might as well just go with regedit and type in a custom resolution, seems the better way to go.

 

[alexsdu]

Umm...don't know if you tried this or not, 'cause this happens when I plug my lappy to the tv...but check to see if your friend's netbook is set to "display to external screen or CRT option"

To me it just seems he set it to display externally and the netbook thinks it's a tv...

Do you mean by connecting the netbook with the moitor? No, he just use it's own monitor.
BTW, how to check if the netbook is set to "display to external screen or CRT option"?

 

[Will98]

First, I couldn't remember the rest of the acronym until now, but it's CRT/LCD. It's just a hot key that extends the screen to an external monitor. My bad for not remembering :D

There should be hot key to extend the netbook's screen to an external monitor...the exact model, brand of netbook would help too...Just have your friend plug his netbook into a monitor and see if he can see the bottom of his screen.

Umm...Alex, I just had a thought. What is the DPI setting? is it 96 or is it some other setting?