Member Avatar for trees

Hi I have a Windows 98 SE When I go to screen area and move the arrow to 800 600 pixels it wont stay, it goes back to 640 480
I have a Authentic AMD
AMD-K6tm w/multimedia extensions
On display properties
Display
IBM 6331 E54 on Cirrus Logic 5446 PCI I am not very technical minded hopes this helps. How can I get it to stay on 800 600 please

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Dani AI

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Quick recap and practical follow‑up: the symptom described (Windows 98 SE snapping back to 640x480 after selecting 800x600) is a classic sign that Windows is running a generic VGA driver or can't confirm the monitor/display mode. later reports the problem was cured by installing the correct display driver — exactly what and suggested — but a few extra notes will help anyone who finds this thread later.

Why it happens: when the system lacks a proper video driver or a proper monitor INF/DDC response, Windows will limit available modes or fall back to a safe VGA mode. Other causes include an unsupported refresh/color‑depth combination, a bad cable or connector that breaks DDC detection, or an incompatible driver version.

Useful steps (succinct):

  • Check Device Manager: Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager -> Display adapters / Monitors. “Standard VGA” or unknown devices indicate a missing driver.
  • Install the correct driver from the card maker or PC vendor (uninstall old driver first if needed).
  • Manually pick a supported mode: Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced -> Adapter -> List All Modes — choose 800 x 600 with a conservative color depth (16‑bit) and refresh (60Hz).
  • If the monitor is misidentified, use the Monitor tab (Advanced) -> Change to load a correct monitor INF.
  • If a driver install causes instability, reboot to Safe Mode (F8) and roll back/uninstall. Before changes, create a registry backup with scanreg /backup (Windows 98) and save a copy of the working driver installer.

Prevention: keep a copy of any working driver and note its version, prefer vendor/OEM driver packages over unknown sites, and check the VGA cable/connector if the monitor is reported incorrectly. If a mode still isn’t available, try an alternate driver version or another monitor to isolate software vs hardware.

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Member Avatar for Catweazle

Did you click 'Apply'?

Member Avatar for trees

Yes I did, and ok.

Member Avatar for trees

Hi I click apply and ok still nothing happend How can I get pixels to stay at 800 600 someone please help thanks very much.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

I'm a bit stumped I have to admit. It seems strange that the system is correctly identifying monitor and display card, yet still exhibiting such behaviour. Are you sure that the monitor is actuall an IBM 6331 as reported?

Perhaps you could try locating and reinstalling a device driver for the Cirrus Logic display card?

Member Avatar for DMR

IPerhaps you could try locating and reinstalling a device driver for the Cirrus Logic display card?

Yes, try that. I've seen exactly what you describe happen even when Device Manager reports that the video card is functioning and the correct driver is in use. Downloading and installing a new copy of the driver driver solved the problem.

Member Avatar for trees

Hi Thanks for your help, I will install a new driver. Where is the best place to get driver and is it free, and is it easy to do? Thanks

Member Avatar for DMR

A good place to find all kinds of drivers, especially drivers for older versions of Windows, is www.driverguide.com. You do have to register with them in order to download from their site, but the registration and downloads are free, and they won't use your email to flood you with spam.

I checked, and Driverguide does have Win 98 drivers for the CL-5446 chip. They have a few different versions though; I'd try the latest version first.

Member Avatar for trees

I have downloaded driver, have pixels 600 800!.
Thanks Catweasle and DMR for your help.

Member Avatar for DMR

You're welcome; glad we help. :)

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