Charles1776

For Windows 7, it's best to install a PCI video card, instead of trying to use the integrated graphics.

Check out the discussion HERE

Bev.

The Geforce 8400 is available in PCI.

The Best Card out there is Geforce 9500 PCI.  It will be 4 X faster than a geforce 8400.

http://www.jaton.com/vga/graphics_card_detail.php?pid=32

Jaton Video Card VIDEO-498PCI-DLP
NVIDIA Geforce 9500GT 1GB DDR2
Stream Processors    32
Memory Clock  800MHz
Memory Interface    128-bit
Memory Type    DDR2

You need 32 bit 33mhz PCI 2.3 card.

NVIDIA Geforce 8400GS 512 meg DDR2
Stream Processors    8
Memory Clock  800MHz
Memory Interface    64-bit
Memory Type    DDR2

Sparkle GeForce 8400GS 512 MB DDR3 PCI with Native HDMI Graphics Card SFPC84GS512U2LP
 

Here is a modern PCI card with native HDMI and onboard audio, only $45: www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_3

Charles1776

When buying a PCI video card, Dell installed either a 200w, or 250w power supply in the Dimension 2400, you might need to upgrade the power supply, depending on the video card's requirements that's purchased.

Bev.

I think the 8400GS is thrifty enough, power-wise, to work with a 200-watt power supply. The same could be said of the 4350 PCI.

.

Well using the PCI card will be the best step forward if you can get one for relatively cheap. It will give you the best video performance possible on this machine.

The method muto suggested may work, although he/she does not need to disregard other peoples help in such a negative way. I will expand on it slightly.

As for windows update.

Start>All Programs>Windows Update

Look for optional updates that might have to do with you're system devices such as graphics.

You have the Dell XP drivers. If you download and install 7zip (32 bit .msi file).

Then you may create a new folder on the desktop or on the C: drive. Copy the drivers from the dell website (R96001, R106456, R79733 & R86399) into it.

Left click the arrow beside display adaptors, right click your device and select update driver software...

Select browse my computer for driver software and select the folder on the desktop or c: drive where you put the drivers in.

Then reboot. See if things are any better.

$45 is not unreasonable if it can postpone the purchase of a new PC for two or three years.

Not only will the 8400GS allow for use of the monitor's native resolution, it will enable smooth playback of video, streaming or otherwise, which may be a big plus to the OP.

.

Okay chesman/muto - probably the same person. Writing style and bad attitude is the same. You are the one with the ego, you express this through rudeness and arrogance. Even if you don't know the faces of the other people that have posted, there is no excuse for having such an attitude. Sounds like you have personal issues and are trying to make yourself feel better by attempting to step down on others.

I don't know anyone on this forum either, however I have asked for advice and they have helped me pleasantly for nothing in return and for that I respect them. I also respect when people try to help other people, there are often multiple solutions to different problems and sometimes a wrong solution helps bring about the right one. I give solutions which I think are correct and have helped some users on this forum, I sometimes expand on other peoples answers if I think it will help. I have given some other solutions/ideas and some others have given a better solution.

I will state once the problem I have with you're attitude. You will probably ignore it and we won't mention it any further.

I respect also when you try to help people but I don't respect you're general attitude towards other users which you deem to be wrong. In this case installing a graphics card will costs $45 but will give a better end user experience or going for the Windows XP driver which may or may not work to satisfaction. In the end Charles1776 will decide on what he wants to do. I see such an attitude alot throughout my university studies, close minded people who think they are always right... doesn't get them very far... and I make as little contact with them as possible.

I do not have this particular unit to try anything myself. It was just a suggestion which would take 2 seconds to check and if it was there then it would resolve the issue. Its what I had done on another older unit, which I couldn't find the Windows 7 graphics drivers for. I done the method muto mentioned on it and then found an optional update which helped me and made my system slightly more stable.

As for windows update. Start>All Programs>Windows Update Look for optional updates that might have to do with you're system devices such as graphics.

There will be no Windows 7 updates for the integrated video in the Dimension 2400.  Microsoft has clearly stated that it does not and will not support the integrated graphics found in the Dimension 2400 in Windows 7.  Use muto's directions above on how to get the Windows XP driver installed in windows 7.  It appears that many people here want to help and that this desire to help compels them to make suggestions despite their lack of knowledge of the specific problem. 

Dimension 2300 with windows 7 and xp driver from DELL works fine automatically selected 1280x1024

Thanks.

(I update the old Dimension 2300

-expanded memory from 512MB to 1.5GB by adding 1GB  at less then 10 euro

-changed disk 40GB for 120GB Hitachi disk at about 14 euro

-changed CD player for Samsung DVD RW  less then 20 euro

-installed windows 7 home refurbished at about 49 euro

so that gives a rough idea about the costs (Most parts I got from amazon in Germany)

http://www.amazon.de/

This thread has been locked due to it's age, if you have a similar issue, please use the 'New Post' feature at the top of this page and start a new thread.
 
Bev.