Press F8 just before Windows starts to boot up (before you see the Windows logo) and it will bring up a list of options such as safe mode etc...
Choose the option that is along the lines of start windows in display mode.
This will load up in 640x480 or 800x600 (dependent on OS) @50/60Hz refresh rate so it is viewable on 99.9% of monitors. You can then change the resolution and refresh rate to your liking within windows.