after (re)installing kubuntu, I had to do lot less extras than what windows usually asks. one thing that didn't work out though is this:

I know my screen can display a decent resolution (because it did with ubuntu before) at a decent speed. in numbers, 1280x1024@85 or at least 75.

now my system settings (KDE) only shows up to 1024x780 which is horrible, a: because everythings far too big but mainly because some windows don't fit into the screen, are too big, and cannot be resized or moved so that the important bit at the bottom is missing.

help really appreciated, paddy

the settings you are looking for are in the file /etc/X11/xorg.conf

its always a good idea to backup your xorg.conf file before you start changing values

there is a section called "Screen"
you will notice a part called "Modes" this is where you can change the
resolution.
look at the defaultdepth and change the resolution for the matching depth
i remove all other depth modes except the default anyway

just change the "1024x780" to "1280x1024" or add a new entry for it
(just place it before 1024x780 in quotes)
use "ctl"+"alt"+"+" buttons to switch between resolutions

now the refresh rate is in a section called monitor if you know for certain that your monitor can display 1280x1024@85Hz then change the number after VertRefresh to 85

and reboot your computer after the changes and pray they work

please note that pushing a monitor to unsupported refresh rates can and will damage the device

what is "depth" or what does it do?

now KDE does not accept that I made some changes. so basically, nothing has happened... ??

color depth "ie 16 24 32"
did you change the settings for the default "depth"?

heres what my sections look like i use two monitors
yes at 1024x768 lol

BTW you'll need root permissions to write the xorg.conf file
sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

yea, you need root permissions for almost anything, don't you? at least, in ubuntu. so I've changed xorg.conf and found everything as described but as I said, KDE doesn't accept it. nothing happens.

and vertrefresh is not one number but something-something (neither of them being 60)
but worst is the res - I've 19'' I can read the screen from the other end of the room (although I'd need extension leads for the keyboard... and mouse)

could you post your xorg.conf file so maybe i can try and understand what you are seeing
just maybe the screen and monitor sections

sure. sorry I got the vertrefresh rate confused. but see or yourself.
(I'm retyping all this, so don't wonder if there's something)
section "monitor":
option DPMS
Horizsync 28-51
vertrefresh 43-60

section "screen":
Identifier "Default Screen"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 16

subsection "display"
depth 16
modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" and two smaller resolutions

the 1280x1024 I added manually

i had a similar problem when i was setting up my second monitor no matter what it would only diaplay at 800x600
until i changed the horizonal sync
try changing the Horizsync to 30-60
and take out the "1024x768"

Horizsync 30-60

modes "1280x1024"

and try that if not try 30-75 for horizsync

good grief you are the best. do you guys get paid for hanging around here helping kids who don't have the foggiest (not that I'm a kid)
thanks a lot. it's running at 1280 as I set horizsync to 30-75.
I changed the upper end value of vertrefresh to 75, too, which worked alright for 1024 but with 1280 it set itself to 60, so that'll just have to do. I'm so happy I can put so many things on my screen that at the mo I don't mind. and I don't dare forcing it.

have a piece of cake

.
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| OO OO O OO . .O. OO O ..O.|
(O. OO. .O O O O OO ..OO O.|
( OO .O. O O OO............|
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lol no theres no money in it just that yummy asci cake
your welcome