Member Avatar for sma

Ok, I have windows ME, I just installed it on my computer, however even befor I installed it, There was a problem with the display. The colors are speckly and it says its working on 16 colors, isnt it supposed to work on 32 or something?? And when I boot up it gives me screen that says - normal, safe mode etc... I always select normal and i have tried to install several different display adapters but to no avail. It keeps saying there is a conflict with 2 different hardware or something?? I just want all my colors back please, please help!!!!

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Dani AI

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Good to hear got it working. For anyone who finds this thread later: the “speckly” screen and Windows reporting “16 colors” is a classic sign that Windows is running the generic VGA driver instead of the video card’s proper driver. Both and pointed in the right direction — the fix is almost always an accurate device identification and installation of the vendor driver, plus restoring the correct color depth.

Typical recovery steps (concise):

  1. Check Display Properties -> Settings and note the Color Quality value (16 colors, 256, 16-bit/32-bit).
  2. If only 16 colors are available, identify the card (run dxdiag or msinfo32, check the card label or driver CD).
  3. In Safe Mode, remove the generic adapter entry (Device Manager -> Display adapters -> uninstall), then install the manufacturer’s driver (from CD or the vendor site).
  4. Reboot, then set Color Quality to Highest (32-bit or 24-bit) and choose the correct resolution.

If Device Manager shows resource conflicts or multiple entries, enable “Show hidden devices” and remove duplicate/ghost adapters. On older systems, incorrect motherboard/chipset drivers or an AGP driver issue can prevent the card from using full color — updating chipset drivers and reseating the card can help. Also try lowering hardware acceleration temporarily via Display Properties -> Advanced -> Troubleshoot if the display is unstable.

A few cautions: use drivers from the card or PC maker only, back up the registry or create a restore point before major changes, and note exact model/driver strings when troubleshooting so others can provide targeted help.

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Member Avatar for DMR

Ok, I have windows ME

Sorry to hear that. :mrgreen:

The colors are speckly and it says its working on 16 colors, isnt it supposed to work on 32 or something?? ...i have tried to install several different display adapters but to no avail. It keeps saying there is a conflict with 2 different hardware or something??

You can use Windows' Device Manager to determine the model of graphics card you have, as well as what pieces of hardware are having problems/conflicts. has information on using Device Manager to pinpoint problematic hardware and resource conflicts. Follow the suggestions in the article and get back to us with your findings. When you repost, please give us full and exact details; you need to be as specific as possible in order for us to help you most efficiently.

Member Avatar for Chaky

Your problem is very simple one.....lack of drivers.
Your videocard driver is not installed. (gasp)
Possibly chipset driver also needs installing.
If you post a VGA model (exact) someone will give you more precise instructions of what to do.

Member Avatar for sma

Hey thanks for all your help I got the problem fixed - thank god!!!! Hopefully all will be well now - fingers crossed!!

Member Avatar for DMR

Glad you got it sorted.
Can you post the details of how you solved the problem, please? That info could be helpful to others who might find themselves experiencing similar trouble.

Thanks.

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