Running a program with a custom resolution in Windows 7
In Windows 7 SP1 x64 Ultimate when running a program I can select some option for compatibility's sake. I can run the program in 640X480 resolution, as shown below. Is there any way to run a program in a custom resolution?
You could install a third party command line tool for changing screen resolutions like NirCmd (I've never used it but it sounds cool), and then add a resolution change command to the desktop shortcut you use to launch your program. Of course once the program closes you'll still have the new resolution running, and will have to manually change it back.
Download NirCmd from http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/nircmd.html
Right click on the shortcut you want to edit, and change it's location information to something like this:
C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe /k nircmd.exe setdisplay 1024 768 32
You will need to substite the C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe part for the location of the .exe file for the program the shortcut opens, and 1024 768 for the resolution you want.
A couple times in the past I have used DisplayChanger to accomplish this task. Used it for some older games for the kids. You basically configure and EXE to run at a certain resolution while it is running. When execution is complete your main resolution is returned to normal.
Note that this changes the resolution for everything and changes it back. Saves you the effort of manually setting it all the time. Certain applications can handle this natively. When they don't I used the above program.