Dell video problem "cannot display video mode"

[mobiblu]

I don't have much experience working with dell computer hopefully someone can help. My uncle computer started giving him some problem starting yesterday. Windows will boot up past the Windows boot screen then afterward it will post a message "cannot display video mode". what does this mean.
here what i try to do so far.
1. I try taking out the CMOS battery, hoping it will reset some setting....didn't work
2. I try replacing the monitor....*confimed* problem does not lie with the monitor
3. Ran the Dell diagnostic software. Everything check out OK

so what do i do now?
BTW: I hate the fact that dell does not give the option of going into safe mode...at least I couldn't find it.

 

[InlineFour]

maybe it's running on a unsupported monitor resolution. try lowering the resolution.

 

[mobiblu]

how???? how to get to safe mode bc windows would not boot up

 

[InlineFour]

to boot into safe mode, just press f8 repeatingly when the computer boots up.

 

[mobiblu]

I try to change the video setting...reset and still i get the same message

 

[Bozo Galora]

Face it - you are in over your head

If you dont know how to get into bios, whatever gave you the impulse to reset cmos?
When you reset cmos, whatever few settings there are in bios default to failsafe
And the first question always asked for "Dell" folks - is your PC still in warranty?
Secondly, Dell's come with recov discs/partitions - have you tried that?
Thirdly you gave no info on system
And fourth, your "uncle" must have done SOMETHING to his PC to cause this. Did he run a game with default high video settings?

there are hundreds of links on google......
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/...px/support/kb/en/document?dn=FA1079260
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/...px/support/kb/en/document?dn=HO1019500
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums
http://www.computing.net/digitalphoto/wwwboard/forum/97.html
http://real.lithium.com/real/board/message?board.id=RealArcade&message.id=48

FWIW you can set refresh rate (lower) in monitor OSD
Dell Monitor .inf file must be loaded and showing in XP/control panel/ display/adv/momitor properties by its name to realize all refresh rates. It must not say default or standard.
Vid drivers .inf must also support your monitor resolution
So refresh is like 75Hz
Resolution is like 1024X768
do not confuse

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