The problem: Windows Vista reverts to a lower screen resolution when the computer wakes up.
I got a new Dell computer a couple of months ago. It has Windows Vista and Intel Graphics. For some reason, every time I'd turn the computer on, and every time it woke up from sleep, the screen resolution would reset. It would reset itself to a low resolution that resembled WebTV. I would then have to right-click on the desktop, select Graphics Properties... and set the resolution to the correct setting. I had to do this every time I started the computer, every time the computer "woke up," and every time I returned and found the screen saver was running.
I tried the "blank screen saver" solution. Didn't work. I tried updating the video drivers. In fact I updated every driver I could. All up to date.
It may have been the most frustrating problem I've had with a computer.
I'm no computer guru. But I searched around and found one solution that involved disabling Transient Multimon Manager (TMM). That did not work for me. The problem persisted.
The solution that worked for me
Finally, I started digging around and found the Intel Graphics processes that were running. There were three that I found (there may be more but like I said, I'm no guru.) - here are the three I found:
- igfxpers.exe
- igfxtray.exe
- hkcmd.exe
It seems these processes are present to allow you to access your Intel Graphics settings quickly. In any case, it appears none of them are crucial to the operation of my system. I checked each process at http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/index.html.
After reading each description, I decided to play it safe and disable one process at a time to see if I could isolate one that made a difference. I disabled igfxpers.exe and my long personal nightmare was over. Here's how I did it:
- In Windows Vista click the Logo/Start button in the task bar
- In the "Start Search" box - type "msconfig" and hit Enter
- Select the "Startup" tab
- Click the "Startup Item" column header to alphabetize the processes
- You should see the Intel processes, locate igfxpers.exe and UN-check the box
- Click "Apply" then OK
- Restart your computer and hopefully you too will be able to start rebuilding your sanity.
If you want to try the solution that involves disabling TMM, you can find step by step directions at: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/transient-multimon-manager-tmm.html
Make these adjustments at your own risk. This worked for me, but may not for you. If you aren't comfortable making these adjustments, consult a professional.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I’m finding the solution to my problem and you’ve helped! I have an Acer with Vista Business and when it would wake up from sleep, I wasn’t able to open new programs or sometimes even see the Shut Down options. It seems as if these three programs are the culprit. Thanks!
Disabled Ndivia stuff and it worked great. Thanks!
Just bought a Compaq and had the same problem – great fix, saved my sanity.
Thank you for saving me from destroying my laptop. I can now put my computer into sleep or hibernate mode, wake it back up, and my icons maintain their correct position. I will name my firstborn child after you, sir!