Troubleshooting: How to Change to 640 x 480 x 256 Colors (173570)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Bookshelf '95 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 1996-97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 98 for Windows
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 99
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 2000
  • Microsoft Cinemania for Windows, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 editions
  • Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 97 Deluxe for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99
  • Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 99
  • Microsoft Encarta Virtual Globe 99
  • Microsoft Encarta World English Dictionary
  • Microsoft Multimedia Mozart 1.0
  • Microsoft Multimedia Mozart for Windows 1.0a
  • Microsoft Multimedia Schubert 1.0
  • Microsoft Multimedia Strauss for Windows 1.0
  • Microsoft Multimedia Stravinsky 1.0
  • Microsoft Music Central for Windows, 1996, 1997 edition
  • Microsoft Wine Guide for Windows 1.0
  • Microsoft Wine Guide for Windows 1.0a
  • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 95
  • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99 Concise Edition
  • Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 99
This article was previously published under Q173570

SUMMARY

If you are experiencing display problems with a program, it is often helpful to test the program with your display settings at 640 x 480 x 256 colors. Many programs are optimized for this resolution and color depth. In addition, many video drivers work more reliably at this setting than at others. This article tells you how to change to this setting.

MORE INFORMATION

To change your display settings:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Display.
  3. On the Settings tab, note the current settings.
  4. In the Color Palette or Colors box, click 256 Color.
  5. Move the Desktop Area or Screen Area slider all the way to the left to reduce the display resolution to 640 x 480 pixels.
  6. Click OK.
  7. If you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbdisplay kbenv kbhowto KB173570
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