Need to change resolution but cannot get onto desktop to do so as the monitor just goes to sleep

i have recently reinstalled windows xp on my computer using my friends monitor as my computer had a virus. but now i have plugged the computer back into my HP L1706 LCD monitor and it says (input signal out of range change settings to 1280 x 1024 - 60Hz) the windows logo appears but then it goes to the message above and will not load up my desktop so i cannot chnage the settings. i have pressed reset to factory settings on the monitor but still no luck. i dont have a spare monitor but i have a laptop so will there be anything i can do with that to help?