dead display after change of display resolution

From: erikel (erikelXSPAM_at_webspan.net)
Date: 06/15/04 

Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 20:41:27 -0700

Machine 845 based motherboard with 2.4Ghz Celeron.

Sequence of events:
1.Install of rh9 server with GNOME desktop WITHOUT any updates. ( I know I
should have installed updates.)
2. Went into "start here"->"system settings"->"display" and changed
resolution to 1280X1024.
3. Changed Monitor sleep and off periods to 4 and 3 minutes.
3. Rebooted

problem: Graphical display is DEAD.
If I attempt to log in, I hear the disk spin up and do stuff.
I can use the Virtual Terminals fine.Everything is up except GUI display.
GNOME seems to be fubar.

Question: How do I restore all Graphical parameters/settings?
Another way of fixing the machine?

thanxs in advance.
gene