does anyone know of a way to change my screen resolution to 1280x1024 from 1024x768 if my display properties setting menu only allows me upto 1024x768?

What video card do you have?

Does it supports 1280x1024?

What kind of monitor do you have? Some monitors only allow a maximum resolution of 1024x768, especially older monitors or perhaps a 15" LCD.

If you're sure that your monitor/card supports higher resolutions you could try choosing another monitor of the same size/type in the list of monitor drivers. It doesn't nessecarily have to be one from the same manufacturer.

But be aware that setting the resolution higher than your monitor supports may damage it (if you're very unlucky that is).

I remember I managed to get 1600x1200 here on my desktop but I can't do it again... What can I do? Got a Samsung SyncMaster 753DFX, GeForceFX5600XT and running Windows XP SP2 with the latest nVidia drivers.

Remember that when u increase the resolution your refresh rate could go down.

Samsung SyncMaster 753DFX

Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 1024 @ 65Hz