One-click resolution changes?

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Jul 06, 2003 7:35 pm

I want to run a Windows-based game I enjoy that wasn't unfortunately made to in fullscreen, in modes above 640 x 480. Of course, it's possible to right-click on my desktop, Properties, Settings, then change the resolution; and change it all back when I leave the game.

But is there any way I can place a couple of buttons on my desktop that will provide instant resolution change, from 1078 x 768 to 640 x 480, and back again? Thanks.

humanflyz · Post by **humanflyz** » Sun Jul 06, 2003 10:09 pm

@Fable:

What OS are you running? In Windows 98, all you have to do is do a single left-click on the monitor icon in your taskbar and then you can change the resolution instantly. However, I don't believe such an option is available in either XP or 2000. Of course, you can always tried to find a program that lets you do this.

Mr Sleep · Post by **Mr Sleep** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:46 am

There is a method of altering the shortcut to display it in a set window height and width. If you'd like to fiddle around with things like that I could go into it for you

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 4:36 am

Originally posted by humanflyz
What OS are you running? In Windows 98, all you have to do is do a single left-click on the monitor icon in your taskbar and then you can change the resolution instantly. However, I don't believe such an option is available in either XP or 2000. Of course, you can always tried to find a program that lets you do this.

Windows 2000 and XP can run any application in compatability mode, which includes the option of 640x480.

I'd have to agree with humanflyz that the easiest method is to activate the system tray icon for changing the desktop size. You should find it on the display settings -> advanced page. Additionally many display drivers include their own version of this applet that performs the same function.

fable · Post by **fable** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:26 am

It doesn't seem to work that way in my versino of Win98. I can go into my display settings and activate an ATI system icon, but all that does is bring up a series of options which in turn bring up the display main menu, letting me walk through a series of choices, etc. In other words, it puts me right back where I would be if I just right-clicked on my desktop, and brought up the display menu.

There is an option to save "Display schemes," but they're limited to vertical and horizontal controls, only. They don't save any changes to resolution.

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 5:06 am

The option to turn on the system tray icon for screen resolution is on the 'advanced' display options page. I've included an image from one of my work PC's as an example. If you don't have this option there's a small program from Microsoft that does the same thing that I can email to you if you want to try it.

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Jul 08, 2003 6:16 am

Well, duh. And hear I was, concentrating on ATI's more extensive litatle settings icon, which doesn't do what I wanted. Thanks! That did the trick.

Moleman · Post by **Moleman** » Thu Jul 31, 2003 12:40 am

Even though the problem seems to be solved already, I'd suggest to take a look at a program called PowerStrip. There's an option to make "display profiles" for different applications. So, when you would launch the predefined application (in this case the game), PowerStrip would automatically switch to the defined screen resolution (and color depth, screen frequency, D3D settings etc.) And of course it's possible to make different profiles for many applications.

More info: link