marktam264,

A "common" trick, is to boot the Live CD, and if something works in the Live CD, but NOT in your install, then copy / change your hard drive installed XF86Config-4 file with what is used in the Live CD version... Not sure why the hard drive install didnt obtain the same information, like you said, the 1280x1024 line, but, this practice can be used on more serious problems...

Mostly, this "resolve" can be used when you change "something" that hoses your hard drive install, this can get you back...

Glad you resolved it on your own, and got it working
Ms. Cuddles