Newbie Alert!!!

Just installed Debian. Everything is working, but I can't seem to change the resolution. Currently its at 800 x 600 which is way too big. The only options available in the resolution tool in gnome are 640 x 480 and 800 x 600. Any thoughts??

If you are using Xfree86

Edit file /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 (as root!!!)

Search for DefaultDepth

Look what's the number in front of it.

There will be some SubSection under it, search for the SubSection which have Depth equal to your DefaultDepth

When you find, you will see that there is a line like this

Mode "800x600" "640x480"

Change it to

Mode "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"

If you want a really big resolution change to

Mode "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"

READ THIS!!!!! If something goes wrong, change it to default Mode "800x600" "640x480"

Now restart x ---> use ctrl+alt+backspace

You should have a good resoltion now.

i tried adding 1024 x 768, but it didn't work. i had to replace the entry with the target resolution. if any other resolution is listed, it won't work.

Thanks for the help stormrider

Which Debian are you using? (Sarge, Etch, Sid)?
What kind of monitor and/or video card do you have?
Do you have a file named /etc/X11/xorg.conf?

not sure which debian i have, newbie remeber

i can tell you my kernel is 2.4.27-2-386

I have it working now, the trick was to not give the system any other choice but what i wanted. basiclly, if i want to change my resoultion to another setting, i have to go in and remove the old setting and enter the new setting.

old:
"640 x 480" "800 x 600" "1024 x 768" (using this the system would always use the first value, ie 640 x 480)

when i delete everything except 1024x768, i get 1024x768. wierd

video card = nvidia Gforce 5200
display = dutsy old 17" monitor, no markings. found it in my puter grave yard.

anyway it works.

happy trails