resolution problem

[Qbit]

*Can anyone help me with a res problem? My monitor is capable of 1280 * 1024 but the GUI only lists 800*600 or lower. When I first fired up this computer with the new install, (using a different monitor) it was displaying 1280 * 1024. When I shut down and started with this monitor is reverted to 800*600???. Is there a way to force a change to higher resolution.
I am a complete newb with linux but fairly novice with computers in general.

[lugoteehalt]

X is meant to default to the highest resolution available.

You could try ctrl+alt+keypad + to cycle through the resolutions, see what happens.

Perhaps edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf to give higher resolution - search up a specimen xorg.conf file on the internet and use that as an exemplar.

The log file /var/log/Xorg.0.log or something along those lines might give a clue.

Perhaps try 'dpkg-reconfigure', with suitable flag or whatever it is called. If it's a Debian based system.

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

Which Graphics Card do you have? Set correct driver, Refresh Rates and Resolutions in xorg.conf file.

I am posting generic xorg.conf file. It works fine with most of Monitors and Graphics Cards. Back up existing xorg.conf file and create new.

cd /etc/X11
su -
mv xorg.conf xorg.conf.bak
nano xorg.conf

Generic File :

Section "Device"
       Identifier "Configured Video Device"
       Driver    "vesa"  
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
         Identifier "Configured Monitor"
         HorizSync 31.5 - 70.0
         VertRefresh 50 - 160
 EndSection

Section "Screen"
        Identifier "Default Screen"
        Monitor "Configured Monitor"
        Device "Configured Video Device"
        DefaultDepth 24
        Subsection "Display"
             Depth 24
             Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" 
        EndSubsection
EndSection

[Qbit]

Devils Casper
Thanks for the response. I will try the new file once I figure out this file structure. I can't seem to find the file xorg file or folder. Can you give me a path (location on drive) to it? Also, what file editor would you recommend, assuming the xorg file will need to be modified?
ps- when i said i was a newb, i really meant it!

Qbit

[devils casper]

Check /etc/X11 folder. Its Capital X in X11.

Rename existing xorg.conf file, if any and create new file.

cd /etc/X11
mv xorg.conf xorg.conf_bak

Use nano editor to create new file in command line

nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Or
An easier way, use Gedit. Press Alt+F2 and type this

gksu gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Above code will open an empty xorg.conf file in Gedit with root privileges.
Copy contents from post #3. Save file and reboot machine.
[code]

[Qbit]

I chose the Gedit method and rebooted after cutting and pasting the monitor code into it. Now I have "Out of Range" 68.7kHZ/85HZ error message on the screen after boot up.
I tried a better quality monitor and also got "unusable signal", or something like that.
Is there a simple was to go back to old setting so as to try another resolution?
btw- my grapics card is a ASUS AGP-V3800 Ultra TNT2
Monitor is an LG model L1734S-BN

[devils casper]

Press Alt+Ctrl+F3. Does machine switch to command line mode? If not, boot up in Single User Mode.
Open /etc/X11/xorg.conf file and lower VertRefresh rates.

Section "Monitor"
         Identifier "Configured Monitor"
         HorizSync 31.5 - 70.0
         VertRefresh 50 - 100
 EndSection

[Qbit]

got the command line to work- ran nano editor and found vert rate at 160 so changed it to 100. Now it says "permission denied" when trying to overwrite the file.
suggestions?

[devils casper]

You must have root permissions to edit xorg.conf file.
Use sudo to gain root privileges.

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

It will ask for password. Type your own password. Nothing will appear on screen while typing password. Just type correct password and hit Enter key.

[Qbit]

apparently i am not in the sudoers file and the incident will be reported!