---

Tip #1703 - Refresh Your LCD

Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip

Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail Everyday! E-mail Address:

Q:
My flat screen (LCD) monitor image is distorted and I get this message telling me to change the signal timing. How can I fix this?

A:
When you run some games with Windows XP on an LCD monitor you may get a message that says, "Attention-signal frequency is out of range...change signal timing".

The fix is to change to a supported mode. But what does that mean? Although your video card can run at a particular refresh rate, your monitor can't. Check your monitor settings and lower the rate.

Right-click the desktop and choose "Properties" then the "Settings" tab. Click the "Advanced" button then select the "Monitor" tab.

If it is set high (like 85Hz or more) lower it to 60Hz—all monitors will work at that rate. While you're there, if it isn't grayed out, check the "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display" box so the rate doesn't accidentally get changed to an unsupported mode again.

Apply the change and try the game again.

You may still have a problem. Some games lock in a refresh rate beyond what your monitor can display. In some instances you may be able to change the rate in the game options. If so, then, again, I recommend 60Hz. Otherwise, just toss it in the "not compatible with XP" box you keep next to your desk.

~ David

David Samuel Thomas

Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)

---

Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail

Computer & MS Office Tips

Computer Tips & MS Office Tips Daily - Run your Windows PC like a pro! No matter what your skill level, beginner or advanced, you'll find tons of valuable tips, tricks, and ideas in every issue (plus great software deals). Become the computer guru you've always wanted to be! The tip you've just read was in this newsletter!

Computer Tips & MS Office Tips Weekly - If you don't want our Computer Tips newsletter every day, then sign up for this weekly newsletter to get the best information of the week. Sent on Fridays

Our Other Great Newsletters

Just For Grins - Each issue includes a couple clean jokes, some funny quotes, and a hilarious reader's story. Newsletter is sent five days a week

Life's Adventures - Each issue features a short story. Some of these are of the warm and fuzzy variety, some are sad, some are a little of both, but they all deliver powerful messages. Sent every Tuesday and Thursday.

Software Deals - Every week, we send out great deals in our Software Deals newsletter. Many of these deals are exclusively for our Software Deals newsletter subscribers and can't be found with our regular specials.

Enter Email address:

Your e-mail address is safe with us!
We only use it to send you the newsletters you request. It is NEVER disclosed to a third party for any reason, ever! Plus, if you decided you don't like our newsletters (don't worry, you'll love 'em :-), unsubscribing is fast and easy.

Click Here to find out why we have over 400,000 readers who enjoy our newsletters every week! (And growing fast!)

  (Computer Tips Daily)