On occasion I am offered legacy computers which I setup for donation.

The most recent incoming desktop is a NEC age ~1996. The desktop arrived
with Win '95 and a failing hdd.
I replaced the hdd and installed a licensed copy of Win '98.

Now the problem is the very common issue with windows '98 and the video.
The monitor only recognizes 16 colors at the lowest resolution. I have
performed the usual video troubleshooting steps without success.

Naturally there is nothing on either the NEC web site or Sony (monitor) re
the issue of 16 colors vs. 256 colors re an old computer.
Sony tech support referred to a laptop issue in response to an email??
Obviously given the age of the components no company is going to provide
quality FREE support.
Using Google and other SE's has produced limited solutions and none that
have worked.

I know there will be some members of this NG who will simply suggest
trashing the desktop and monitor. But, will that solution help teach a
gradeschooler how to keyboard or
to surf the web ....? Besides, simply trashing workable computers is quickly
filling our landfills with hazardous waste.

Any suggestions re having the video recognize 256 colors and higher
resolution would be appreciated.


someone2