Changing the resolution in Windows XP

To make widescreen resolutions available, you'll need to use your graphic card's software rather than Window's display properties.

For nVidia based graphics: use the instructions at:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/custom_resolutions.html

for ATI graphics: open Catalyst Control Center; select Monitor Properties; uncheck use EDID; and choose your resolution from the drop down list.

for Intel graphics: click the Extreme Graphcis tray icon; select Graphic Options->Graphics Controller properties; select the Schemes tab; choose your resolution from the video modes list.