Win 3.11 video adapter problem

Trying to fix a problem with Screen on old PC that hopefully can be fixed and given to children next door!

Running Win 3.11, PC works fine, but the screen first of all 'inverted' itself and now I cannot find the controls to adjust the size of display.

The error message that appears is " An error occurred while trying to initialise the video adapter" Hit any key to continue C:\>

Anyone remember or know how to change screen settings as I am sure this would fix it ??

Thanks

 

I think it's because you don't have the right driver for windows 3.11

Try to go to standard VGA...

 

Thanks Clark, but do you know how to get there?
Is it through PC Tools menu?
It is kind of difficult not being like Windows XP or 98, as it is
a bit of a minefield for the inexperienced like me!

Cheers

 

IIRC it's in the Progman.ini file under settings. Just edit using notepad.

 

I cannot access Windows therefore unable to get to Notepad. Sorry u should have said that.
All I have access to is the Commands , ie Prog Man, Edit, files. I can press F1 and get options along the bottom taskbar for Help.

I will try to find Program.ini and get back.

Thanks for input

 

You can edit the file under DOS just navigate to the correct folder then type EDIT PROGMAN.INI

 

I will try that on Wednesday (my next visit)

Thanks

 

Hiya
I tried and failed
Got as far as DOS- editor but could not navigate my way round.

There are 2 files in excel that we need to get out onto floppy as I do not reckon that I can manage to get to the problem.
Is there a way to copy the files from DOS editor?
If i can get them it would be great. May be even get a hold of an old monitor and couple that up?

Any help would be great

 

If you were trying to edit the progman.ini file in DOS all you need to move about is the arrow keys.

To copy files in DOS (not the editor) just from the prompt. Type:

COPY drive:\path\filename.ext A:

where drive is probably C the path is \windows for instance and the filename is what ever the file is called and ext is the extension ie xls

 

Thanks my friend, I will try this tomorrow

 

Sorted :celebrate

Brilliant - you have enabled me to retrieve very important files from Excel.

Now that is done and I am unable to sort the screen out; i can get rid of the PC.

Chance is, that a friend has a more suitable computer to give to the kids to play about with; so everything worked out just fine

Thanks very much for your patience and help.

Cheers

 

Glad to hear that.

If you want a last go at the video settings try this:
Boot to DOS.
Type:
CD c:\windows
setup
A display will open up showing current system settings. Move to the Display line and press enter.
When you press enter you will get another screen.
Select VGA and press enter again. You should then be able to exit and (hopefully) on next reboot you will be in standard 16 colour VGA.