Getting Windows 7 boot screen at 640x480@60hz

[Andypc]

Using the command "bcdedit /set bootux basic"  Windows still outputs 1024x768@60hz for about half a second before showing the low resolution boot screen at 640x480@60hz. During that brief half second a get a rapid clicking sound from my Arcade Monitor as it can’t sync. This has previously damaged my old chassis.

I ran msconfig and on the Boot tab, I checked No GUI Boot and Base video. This should run windows startup in 640x480, but you won't see the Windows load screen. Unfortunately that's actually worse than using the command "bcdedit /set bootux basic" as Windows 7 outputs a blank screen at 1024x768@60hz for about 15 second before windows appears at 640x480@60hz.

Is there anyway to keep the system at 640x480@60hz during the Window 7 64bit bootup?

[Dawgz Rule]

I am sure others may have less costly suggestions but an ArcadeVGA would eliminate the issue. 

[Howard_Casto]

I honestly don't know a lot about the old boot commands, but bootcfg probably isn't going to cut it.  It is meant mostly as a temporary solution.  You need to get windows native desktop resolution working at the res you want via something like smartstrip, ect. 

[Malenko]

hit F8 during start and enable VGA mode?

[Andypc]

hit F8 during start and enable VGA mode?

Unfortunately that doesn't work as it only forces VGA once windows starts. The problem is during the boot up. Low Res boot outputs 1024x768@60hz for about half a second before showing the vista style boot screen as 640x480@60hz

[JDFan]

I ran msconfig and on the Boot tab, I checked No GUI Boot and Base video. This should run windows startup in 640x480

Is there anyway to keep the system at 640x480@60hz during the Window 7 64bit bootup?

Did you also check the Make all boot settings permanent check box so that it will always boot that way? ( It might not retain the setting for base video if you do not check that box on the msconfig screen  )

[Malenko]

hit F8 during start and enable VGA mode?

Unfortunately that doesn't work as it only forces VGA once windows starts. The problem is during the boot up. Low Res boot outputs 1024x768@60hz for about half a second before showing the vista style boot screen as 640x480@60hz

Well, not the solution you want but, wire a separate power switch to the monitor so you can turn it on after Windows boots?

[Howard_Casto]

Or you could get a bit fancier. 

I've got my pacman repro hooked up to a relay powered by the pc's power supply.  Since it takes a second or two to warm up, and the power supply doesn't send full voltage immediately my cab is well into the booting process before the monitor comes on.  Now this probably isn't going to work for you BUT, you could take a cheap avr or maybe even a timer chip and write a simple program to turn on an output after X seconds, and leave it on after power up.  Take that output, hook it up to a relay and you are golden.

[Andypc]

I'm really looking for a software (or PC Hardware) solution. I don't want to mess with the wiring in my cab, as it's all original.

[Dawgz Rule]

I think you are going to be hard pressed to find a software solution as most will not work until windows is booted.  If you are not inclined to change the wiring or add a second power switch for the monitor, I think the ArcadeVGA is the way to go.  The other nice benefit is that you will be running your games in their native resolution.  Can't get much more authentic than that.

[Andypc]

I have an ArcadeVGA on order and hopefully it will arrive tomorrow. The problem I have with the ArcadeVGA is that the rotation function does not work in the drivers. I often use this cab with the monitor vertical. That is not a problem for Mame, but my frontend won't work on a vertical monitor without the rotate function. I have been speaking with Andy at Ultimarc and he doesn't think the issue has been fixed.