No 256 Colors anymore :(

The Problem

I was playing one of my games when all of a sudden the screen goes black! I force quit, then try again to start the game only to have the screen go black again, but this time with a message "Input not supported"! Make a long story short, I managed to fix that particular problem and get the game started again only to find flat colors, micoloration, and white spots in the game. I tried other games, and saw that the color/clarity/overall look of the game looked like it was running on 32 bits--which it was. Now, I've been trying to enablee 256 colors but I dont even get the option in control panels. Furthermore, when I try to add the 256 color/resolution the screen gets all garbled and unfocused. Anyway, I just want my 256 colors back or whatever will make my games looking good again. Please help this poor, simple fool!

The Specs

Time of this report: 7/21/2004, 17:27:11
Machine name: YOUR-US67PI6LUV
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp1.020828-1920)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 05
System Model: P9853A-ABA 763N
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.53GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 197MB used, 1053MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0b (4.09.0000.0902)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0902 32bit Unicode


Card name: NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 420
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce4 MX 420
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0172&SUBSYS_03B31043&REV_A3
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (70Hz)
Monitor: Super VGA 1280x1024
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6176 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 7/12/2004 16:50:00, 3740032 bytes

 

Call HP. You probably still have free support/warranty.

 

I just called HP, my Warranty is up and they wanted $40 just to talk me. Is there another way I can get help?

 

i actually don't think you want 256 color, because you are limiting your graphics card to only display a max of 256 colors. you want a minimum of 16-bit color.

sounds like you need to do a complete re-install of your graphics card drivers. but since this happend during the middle of a game, the card may have gone to video card heaven. but try uninstalling your video card drivers and reinstalling them.

 

Agreed. Especially with the INPUT NOT SUPPORTED error. For the 40 bux they wanted for phone support, you can pick up a new card just like you have now.

 

yeah, and you may even be able to find a better one for the same price. they have really come down in price alot.

 

Ah well, guess its time to buy a new video card. Thanks for the help guys

 

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