'Cannot Display Video Mode' message in Safe Mode

Question

I am running a Dimension 2400 with a E151FPB LCD monitor and a SIS 650 graphics card (with the latest drivers). Whenever I attempt to start in Safe Mode, my screen simple says 'Cannot Display Video Mode'. Everything works fine in a normal boot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks!

mccarthy001 · Answer

g --   When booting into Safe Mode, Windows doesn't load up video drivers.  Instead, it uses a set of basic video drivers packaged with XP.  My guess is that in your BIOS, the onboard video adapter on your chipset has been disabled.  In the BIOS, try making that field read to 'Auto' instead of 'PCI' or 'onboard'.  If you need help with this, let me know.

g_strange · Answer

Bad news! I was toying around with the settings and tried to disable the onboard VGA (I think). Now I can't get anything on the monitor. I can't even get to the BIOS to undo the changes!

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

g_strange@yahoo.com

AIM: gstra23

g_strange · Answer

I don't I have a PCI card. I believe all I have is the onboard VGA....

mccarthy001 · Answer

g_strange --

Hey there, I never wrote that you should disable the onboard graphics. :-) I was advising you to do the opposite; that is, to set the BIOS to look for a video adapter in the onboard chipset.

You need to remove the PCI card, altogether. Then restart your PC. If you still do not get video, post back.

mccarthy001 · Answer

g_strange --

Your original post states you have the such-and-such 'graphics card' so I assumed you had, well, a graphics card in there. (I was however intrigued because SIS makes chipsets for motherboards, mainly.)

So, we need to reset the way the motherboard looks for a video adapter. The easy way to do that is described below. It won't necessarily do the trick, but often does. There is a subsequent process (but more difficult) to take after this, if it doesn't work.

Unplug the box from absolutely everything. Then press and hold down the power button for 15 seconds.

Next, open the case and place it under good light. On the motherboard, find the nickel-sized, round motherboard battery. Note now which side is 'up'.

With a pair of ladies' tweezers, maneuver the battery out of its seat. Often this is done by pressing against the little 'tension bars' that hold the battery into place, on the sides of the 'coin'.

Leave the battery out for some minutes. Then plug it back in, making sure to put the correct side up.

Close the case and attempt to restart the machine.

g_strange · Answer

Yep, my mistake on the graphics card comment. I was able to pop the battery and restart the machine and now things are back to normal.

So now that that is cleared up, I will try to correctly take your original advice and set the BIOS to look for the onboard adapter first.

Thanks for your help!

mccarthy001 · Answer

g_strange --   I'm very glad popping the battery worked for you!  Good luck with the machine.

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"Cannot Display Video Mode" message in Safe Mode

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