Hz Tool v1.2

Get the newest versions at: http://hem.passagen.se/doxx

If you have questions then first read instructions and FAQ. If you still have problems, questions, or want to help me improve the program, mail to berglind@usa.net.

Installation

Just unzip the archive to a folder of your choice, then run Hztool.exe. You can create a shortcut on your desktop by dragging Hztool.exe to the desktop with the left mouse button. Read the instructions and disclaimer before you use the program.

Introduction

Hz Tool is a freeware tool for Windows 95/98 that lets you set the refreshrate for all resolutions, including the ones that Windows normally don't let you use. You can also change resolution and bit-depth.

It was programmed by me, Stefan Berglind, in April 1998, because the drivers for my graphics card didn't allow me to easily set the refreshrates for games.

It works in all programs that uses Windows routines to change resolution, for example:

•	Direct 3D games 
•	Open GL programs, i.e. glQuake2 & Unreal
•	Windows itself

With Hz Tool you can also edit the properties of your monitor, which allows you to get the most out of it in refreshrates and resolutions.

Note that all graphics cards and drivers do not allow you to change the refreshrate, or use special resolutions (for example 960*720). The program gives you freedom to set whatever refreshrates and resolutions you want, but you have to make sure that both the graphics card and your monitor can handle it. Use precaution! 

How to use

Quick start

Start Hz Tool; select the active graphics card in the "driver selection"-panel. Click on the resolutions you wish to use, and select their refreshrates. Select (in the "apply to bit-depths" panel) which bit-depths you wish to use the new refreshrates in. Press "save settings", and you're done! 
You can now change resolution and the new refreshrate should be used.

How to set the correct monitor

Select in "monitor options" the monitor type that you currently use. Find in your monitor's manual the maximum supported resolution, the supported horizontal frequencies (in KHz), and the supported vertical frequencies (in Hz). Type in these values in the corresponding boxes. You can leave the H/V sync setting blank, as the driver usually ignores it. Select if you have an Energy star compliant monitor. All settings will be saved when you press "Save settings". If you have set all values correctly, Windows will now not allow you to select an unsupported resolution or refreshrate. 

How to set refreshrates for different bit-depths

Select the active driver. Select which bit-depths you wish to change. Press "Restore". Set the refreshrates. Press "Save settings". Repeat this for the different bit-depths you wish to change. If you want to set the same refreshrate for all bit-depths, then just select them all before you press "Save settings".

How to set non-standard refreshrates

Press "Add refreshrate". Type in the new refreshrate in the box that appears. The new refreshrate will show up LAST with a * after it in the list-boxes. Use the new refreshrate and save settings. 

Tested chipsets

Rendition Vérité V1000/V2x00
Works with all resolutions except 960*720. Support for 90, 160 and 200 Hz depending on the driver.

Nvidia Riva 128
Works with all resolutions, including 960*720 on reference drivers.

3Dlabs Permedia2
Works from 640*480 and up. Supports variable frequencies from 56-200 Hz (depending on RAMDAC) via custom refreshrates. 

Most graphics cards (including Tseng Labs, S3 etc) work just fine too. 

F.A.Q

> Nothing happens when I change frequency of the current resolution?
You must press "save settings", and press the "Set" button.

> The refreshrate does not change/are wrong after I press save and try to use it?
You have to select the active graphics driver in the driver.
Make sure you have selected the bitdepth you are currently using.
Make sure your graphics card supports the selected refreshrates and resolutions.
Perhaps your graphics card stores refreshrates in a different way that makes it impossible to change them with Hz Tool.

> Why do I have more than one driver listed in the driver-panel?
This is because you previously have installed others drivers. This is normal and does not cause any problems.

> How do I change bit-depth? It doesn't work!
It does work in Windows 98. In Windows 95 you'll have to use Quickres from Microsoft.

> Why does not all resolutions show up in the "change resolution" box?
The box show all currently supported resolutions. Resolutions that are disabled in the "resolutions" panel will not show up. Also, if you set your monitors max-resolution to for example 1024*768, no resolutions above this will show up.

> Does Hz Tool work under DOS / Can you support DOS in the next release? 
No. It's 1998, don't use DOS. The sooner we forget it the better. ;=)

> What does the * after the frequency mean?
That means that it is a custom frequency, not a standard one.

> What does the "75 Hz std" and ".ini settings" buttons do?
These set the "standard" refreshrates to 75 Hz, and the settings specified in the Hztool.ini file, respectively. It's just a faster way than setting all resolutions manually.

> Will Hz Tool work under NT4 or NT5?
No. Switching resolutions will work though. 

Issues

No checking that H/V frequencies or resolutions are valid on the selected monitor. Use precaution!

Changing the H/V sync polarity probably doesn't work on many chipsets.

Changing bit-depth will only work on Windows 98 / NT4.

Disclaimer

This software can be used freely in non-commercial environments. For use in commercial environments contact the author. The software can be distributed freely, as long as it is not sold commercially without permission from the author. However, including this software on CD-ROM, permission has to be given from the author. 
This software is provided on an "AS IS" basis, without warranty of any kind, including without limitation the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. The user takes the entire risk as to the quality and performance of the software. Should the software prove defective, the user and not the software author assume the entire cost of any service and repair.