Windows 8.1 1024x768 resolution problems

I recently upgraded from a laptop that ran normal windows 8 to a desktop that is using windows 8.1 and my old laptop used to run a resolution of 1024x768 and everything looked perfect, but now that I've upgraded my new computer is only allowing me to use the resolutions 1280x720 and 1920x1080(this is the native) and there is no in between, I am using the same screen and cables i used on my laptop. my problem is that if i run 1280x720 it cannot handle all the apps of windows 8.1 but if i run 1920x1080 everything is too small and it is hard to read even if I magnify the screen. To be honest i don't think i am supposed to be using a flat screen tv for a monitor, but it worked perfect for my laptop. How can i get back to the resolution i used to run on my laptop?

Go to Device Manager. Under display devices/monitor, right click device and select Update Driver. Worked for me when I upgraded to Windows 8.1 !

Can you be more specific as to the location

Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Device Manager (Under Devices and Printers)

Go to display adapters.
Right click.
Update Driver Software.

Hope this clears it up,
Regards.

it says the drivers are up to date

You should download and install the Graphic drivers for your laptop.

How should I go about doing that

What's your laptop's Brand and model number ? I can help source the drivers for you.

Its an HP envy

it says 810-160

Go here, find your Model # Finding Your HP Product Model Number | HP® Support
Then here to insert it and find your drivers HP Drivers and Downloads for Printers, Scanners and More | HP ® Support

Good luck !

my bad its a nvidia gforce

Find Model # here Finding Your HP Product Model Number | HP® Support

its product model is F3D90AAR#ABA

According to the Model No, you have a [h=1]HP ENVY Phoenix 810-160 Desktop PC.[/h]

Drivers : Software & driver downloads HP ENVY Phoenix 810-160 Desktop PC | HP® Support

You don't want to be installing the drivers for your laptop on your desktop PC. That's not the way to go IMHO. You match the drivers to the hardware your using now. Ideally you should run the monitor/TV at its native resolution. You'll get the best quality picture with no distortion. To make things easier to see have a look at this. http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6894-make-everything-your-screen-bigger-turn-off.html or http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...tings-change-text-size-items-windows-8-a.html or http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/28310-dpi-scaling-size-change-displays-windows-8-1-a.html.

It a resolution is not listed it normally means its not supported by the monitor or the video card. If you go to the screen resolution settings in Windows, and click advanced settings, you should see a List All Modes option down at the bottom. Click that and see if the setting you want is listed. If it is you can try it to see what it looks like.

My problem is it seems to be a bit darker than usual and not all the programs I use enlarge even when I do that

You could try doing a color calibration on that monitor. Control Panel > Display > Calibrate Color , that may fix the darkness issue.