INF Corrupt or distorted display after selecting a supported refresh rate / Valid display mode (289225)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP1
This article was previously published under Q289225

SYMPTOMS

After choosing a new screen update rate under List of Valid Modes, you may encounter display issues. There may be no video output, or the display may be distorted.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because the list of valid modes includes some screen update (refresh rate) modes that the monitor does not support. The INF file for the monitor lists the monitor's limitations for vertical frequency range support, but when the list of valid modes is compiled, these restrictions are not taken into account at all screen resolutions. As a result, a user can specify a screen update rate that the monitor does not support.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

260910 How to Obtain the Latest Windows 2000 Service Pack

To resolve this behavior, consult the manufacturer's documentation for your monitor to see which of the valid modes it supports. Specify one of those modes:
  1. Start the computer in Safe mode.
  2. Right-click the desktop, and then click Properties.
  3. On the Settings tab, click Advanced.
  4. On the Adapter tab, click List all modes.
  5. Under List of valid modes, select a refresh rate/resolution that the monitor supports, and then click OK.
  6. On the Adapter tab, click Apply, and then click OK.
  7. Click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Windows 2000.

This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2.

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the resolution procedure to view the list of valid modes and change it to remove modes that the monitor does not support.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/19/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbdisplay kbfix kbHardware kbui kbWin2000PreSP2Fix KB289225
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