Had to install Windows 7 x86 on the old PC with SiS650-based motherboard. The 315 IGP is detected by Windows 7 as “Standard VGA Graphics Adapter”. With 800×600 resolution everything was working fine but when I tried to switch to 1280×1024 mode the LCD monitor went dark and showed “not recommended mode” sign. From monitor info menu I found out what graphics adapter had set the refresh rate to 87Hz and monitor wanted 60Hz.

It seems what for “Standard VGA Graphics Adapter” Windows 7 does not allow you to change the refresh rate, showing only “Hardware Default”. The graphics adapter uses the refresh rates from its VESA BIOS. I guessed what the adapter was not reading or using the monitor DDC information. Luckily on Wim’s BIOS page I found the patched BIOS for this motherboard where the Video BIOS was replaced with newer version. Flashing this BIOS solved the refresh rate issue.

Discovered the concise article in Wikipedia about Internet in Thailand.

In our latest case in was obviously caused by the nvidia driver interaction with GeForce 310M on Sony VPCCW25FH. To resolve, follow the steps:

1. Immediately after first setup restart (before it is doing “Completing installation”), press F8 to invoke boot menu
2. Select Safe Mode
3. Setup will complain what it cannot continue in the Safe Mode, DO NOT press OK
4. Press Shift-F10
5. In the appearing command prompt type compmgmt.msc <Enter> and wait a while
6. In the management console go to device manager and disable video adapter
7. Close all windows and restart
8. Do not enter boot menu this time, let setup continue as usual