I did something stupid with my graphic settings...

[sturules4]

Upon getting a new video card, I overzealously turned all the graphical settings on hl2 up to the maximum, and now my moniter says "over range". So basically, I can't access the ingame graphic settings to change them back. how do I turn down the graphics without having to open HL2 and reboot my computer?
Thank you,
Stu

 

[Przemek]

Seems you selected a too high resolution, which your monitor cannot display. Or the new graphic card attempts to set a higher refresh rate than your monitor is capable of.

Right click Half-Life 2 in Steam, select Properties. Now there you should see a button "Set launch options". In the new window, type:
-window

Click ok and return to main Steam window. Now run the game - it will startup in a window, but you should be able to go to the options and check the resolution settings in the game. Now set it to something you know your monitor can display
To run HL2 normally, just remove the -window thing from launch options.

If you still have problems with "over range", it may be caused by the refresh rate.

 

[Beerdude26]

You can also click on this link to reset HL2's video options if Przemek's suggestions don't help.
steam://runsafe/220

 

[sturules4]

Thanks guys, sorry I've taken so long to respond, I've been too busy playing the greatest game I've ever played....