How do I fix a ';Frequency out of range'; problem?

On my 2nd computer I am getting a ';frequency out of range'; error message when I try to start it up. It will then shut off like when your computer is idling and goes to sleep mode or something. I have read a few posts about what the problem could be. Some have said its because the refresh rate isn't compatible with the computer or something but everyone is saying that I need to get to the desktop so i can go to my start button and change the refresh rate but it wont get that far, the screen just shuts down. Anyone have some suggestions?How do I fix a ';Frequency out of range'; problem?
As the computer is booting up %26amp; prior to the windows logo, press F8 to go to the Windows Startup menu.



Select VGA Compatibility Mode as your bootup selection. This will set your video to the basic vga defaults and allow you to alter your settings.



Once you're in windows, access your device manager and delete your video card %26amp; monitor.



The reason for that is under Windows 2000 you could change your settings and they would carry over to normal mode, but for some reason XP no longer allows this nor does Vista. You have to remove the hardware drivers in order to undo those settings.



Once you delete them, reboot normally and allow your system to redetect your devices. Once you're done set the display to 800x600 16-bit color. Then modify the screen size to 1024x768, if it works then apply that new settings, keep this up until it gives you the error again (when it does, just sit tight the system will revert back to the previous settings in a few seconds). Once you have the size set, then bump the colors to 32-bit.



Average monitors should stay at 1024x768 (anything higher usually requires you to modify refresh rates amoung other things).



** UPDATE **

I saw your additional notes and wanted to add this,



If nothing comes up after the POST screen, it could very well be a flaky video card. Even though you get display at POST that is just basic video doesn't require much from your card. But once it goes black %26amp; should display the windows logo, it is requiring higher graphics to display that. I'd say stop by a Wal-Mart or whereever and grab a cheap PCI card, test it and find out (unless you have a spare you can use).How do I fix a ';Frequency out of range'; problem?
Important note:



When you are in display properties to pick a resolution, make sure you check the box that says ' only show resolutions this monitor can handle '



Sarge