Computer Monitor/Vid card help needed

[CU Tiger]

trying to get a new monitor and my vid card to cooperate.
Video card is a NVidia 256mB GeForce 7300 LE
Monitor is Acer Al1917W
Specs on monitor say it supports 1440x900, 700:1 contrast, 5ms response time. That is literally all the specs I have or can find on it. Comes wth no drivers (only a 10 page quick start guide which is 1 page english and 9 pages alternate languages, and a CD that has the same) and web site is barely helpful if at all.
Managed to find the most updated driver for the monitor (1/07) and have downloaded the latest Forceware for the vid card.
The nVidia forum geeks, all say the card will do 1440x900 "easy" but its not a choice in the standard settings and when I try to create a custom setting at this reolution, it doesnt save. Which seems to indicate the monitor doesn't support that resolution.
I have tried this with both the default monitor driver package (generic windows P&P) and the one from the acer site.
Any other ideas?
What could I be missing?

I would really like to find some setting that is at least bearable...

[the_meanstrosity]

I would double check that you have the correct driver for the monitor. I would then uninstall and then re-install the monitor and video card drivers.

Based on the reading I've done, the AL1917W has a native resolution of 1140x900 so that's what you should be using. I rarely use anything other than the native resolution especially for LCD monitors.

I would also use DVI over VGA if you have that connection available (monitor to video card). Based on your card and monitor DVI should be available. DVI is usually a much cleaner picture for LCD's.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

I would double check that you have the correct driver for the monitor. I would then uninstall and then re-install the monitor and video card drivers.

Done...more times than I care to count. Wth 3 diff veersions of VC driver and 2 diff monitor drivers

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

Based on the reading I've done, the AL1917W has a native resolution of 1140x900 so that's what you should be using. I rarely use anything other than the native resolution especially for LCD monitors.

Totally agree about NR. Maybe thats the problem. The box and spec sheet both say 1440 x 900. Maybe is Should try 1140 by 900 but that just sounds wrong for a wide screen

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

I would also use DVI over VGA if you have that connection available (monitor to video card). Based on your card and monitor DVI should be available. DVI is usually a much cleaner picture for LCD's.

Using DVI. But I did try VGA at the advice of one of their geeks, who said it would work only with VGA. No dice thre eeither, so yeah back to DVI connection

Thanks for the help.

I have way too many hours invested in this at this point

[the_meanstrosity]

The 1440x900 resolution sounds right so I don't think it's that. I'm assuming you're using Windows XP? I've heard of issues such as this with Linux. I just wanted to make sure I had the correct operating system.

The next thing I would try is contacting the monitor support. I have a feeling it's something to do with the monitor driver, but it's only a guess at this point.

I have a widescreen LCD as well and luckily had no issue with the resolution.

The only other thing I can think of is to make certain the old monitor is uninstalled in Windows. Go to the Windows Device Manager and you'll see a MONITORS section. Hit the plus sign and make sure there's only one monitor there.

[MizzouRah]

First of all, stay away from Acer. Ok.. that part is over with.

You shouldn't need drivers if you are using Win XP. What is the highest resolution you have an option for? Honestly, I've never heard of 1440x900.

[the_meanstrosity]

CUTiger, here's a link that has a few options. Hope this helps.

http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=17962

Mizz, Acer does make a few quality monitors. Like any brand, it depends on the model. I know I looked at their 22 inch model for a while before purchasing my 21 inch Samsung 215tw.

1440x900 seems to be the resolution for 19 inch widescreen lcd's.

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

First of all, stay away from Acer. Ok.. that part is over with.

You shouldn't need drivers if you are using Win XP. What is the highest resolution you have an option for? Honestly, I've never heard of 1440x900.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

The 1440x900 resolution sounds right so I don't think it's that. I'm assuming you're using Windows XP? I've heard of issues such as this with Linux. I just wanted to make sure I had the correct operating system.

Windows Xp Media Center.

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

The next thing I would try is contacting the monitor support. I have a feeling it's something to do with the monitor driver, but it's only a guess at this point.

Acer's site sucks hard. Their tech support emailed back in less than 30 minutes and said "that product is covered by our no questions asked 3 year warranty if it is not operating properly return and we will replace with a refurbished unit in 8-12 weeks"

Phone I was on hold for 45 minutes before I hung up.

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

The only other thing I can think of is to make certain the old monitor is uninstalled in Windows. Go to the Windows Device Manager and you'll see a MONITORS section. Hit the plus sign and make sure there's only one monitor there.

Brand new PC brand new monitor. No superfulous BS.

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

First of all, stay away from Acer. Ok.. that part is over with.

After my dealings last night QFT.
I have never seen a company not include any drivers with their product, and their website you can literally find announcements for driver updates on their own site that are newer than the drivers in their driver link.

I really cant comment on their products, but their support is GARBAGE. I will know how their products are if I evr overcome their support.

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

You shouldn't need drivers if you are using Win XP. What is the highest resolution you have an option for? Honestly, I've never heard of 1440x900.

When I initially hooked the monitor up it came up as only a Windows P&P montior, and didnt support anything over 1280x960(?)

I searched out and manually installed the drivers as an attempted resolution, even though XP said no newer available, due Microsoft's known ineptness at handling driver issues.

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

CUTiger, here's a link that has a few options. Hope this helps.

http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=17962

Mizz, Acer does make a few quality monitors. Like any brand, it depends on the model. I know I looked at their 22 inch model for a while before purchasing my 21 inch Samsung 215tw.

1440x900 seems to be the resolution for 19 inch widescreen lcd's.

Checking out the link now.
GUYS THANK YOU for at least taking the time to offer suggestions.
I have seriously been considering trashing thiss damn thing. I'd feel bad if I returned it. Because I would hate to inflict thiss on someone else.

[the_meanstrosity]

Sometimes it's a struggle. It does sound like a driver issue though. My concern is that the Acer website doesn't differentiate between widescreen and regular screen drivers. I can't help but think that there should be different drivers.

I'm wondering if the early install of the Windows monitor driver is causing a conflict. You did an uninstall of the Windows driver and then a clean install of the Acer drivers correct?

[CU Tiger]

Yeah after extensive searching on the website I actually have found a different driver for the wide screen.

Its not where it should be. But using google [site:] turned it up...

I am really leaning towards mayeb a vid card driver, because I am playing hell deleting and updating because my XP loads new vid card drivers after a clean out even when I start the damn thing in safe mode.

[CU Tiger]

For everyone who tried to help, I appreciate it.
Finally figured this out.
Apparently nvidia (the video card manufacturer) is aware of this problem and has a new driver to resolve the problem. Unfortunately they intentionally choose to label this a Beta driver, to discourage users from downloading it and, presumably, instead choosing to just go purchase a newer more expensive vcard.
If anyone else were to run into the problem, all you need is forceware 100.87 and a reboot and all is well....

[MizzouRah]

Good for you!