my 17 monitor runs lfs with no distortion at 1024X768, but obviously this is a very low resolution. my comp can run it easily at 1680X1050 and 60 Hz, but there is obviously a lot of distortion. Is there a way I can get a resolution that won't distort the screen and also be best quality possible?

Is it a TFT or a CRT? If it's a TFT then your best bet is to run it at the native resolution anyway.

Quote from Jakg :

Is it a TFT or a CRT? If it's a TFT then your best bet is to run it at the native resolution anyway.

Generally, all LCD's, not just TFT, need to be run at native. LCD is not scalable as CRT's.

Have fun and buy a bigger monitor.

Quote from gohfeld23 :

Generally, all LCD's, not just TFT, need to be run at native. LCD is not scalable as CRT's.

tft = lcd

1) 1024*768 is a 4:3 resolution 1680*1050 is not => run it in a 4:3 res
2) it probably wont be able to comfortably go any higher than 1280*960 (if its a crt)

Quote from flymike91 :

my 17 monitor runs lfs with no distortion at 1024X768, but obviously this is a very low resolution. my comp can run it easily at 1680X1050 and 60 Hz, but there is obviously a lot of distortion. Is there a way I can get a resolution that won't distort the screen and also be best quality possible?

Judging by the fact that you upped it to 1680x1050 and got distortion instead of a scrollable desktop or no picture at all I'm guessing it's a CRT.

As it's working properly at 1024x768 then your screen's aspect ratio is 4:3 - 1680:1050 is a 16:10 ratio resolution.

Any of the 4:3 ratio resolutions (1154x864, 1280x960, etc) supported by your monitor would suit you fine without much tinkering.

Distortion: Do you mean stretching? If you try running a 4:3 monitor in a 16:10 mode you need to use widescreen effect which gives you a black border top and bottom, aka Grand Prix Legends.
17" 4:3 monitors will not like running at 1680 x 1050 though.

1680x1050 is a widescreen res, unless you have a widescreen monitor you will get distortion.

1280x1024 or 1600x1200 are for LCD monitors.

Thanks for the tips. I never thought to use the widescreen cuz i thought that was just for looks. considering widescreens, it is "wide" in that it is wider than it is tall but no other resolution has worked. my native is 1440X900 but in lfs that tuns out to be very narrow and long. A little different question: Sometimes I'm able to turn some resolutions up to 180 Hz, but then the next time I open it up, I can only run at 75. Is there a reason for this? Thanks again and in advance for the help

Probably because 180Hz is a totally silly value that your screen cannot display anyway. 60/75Hz is fine if you have a LCD monitor (though on a CRT I wouldn't go below 85Hz).