KVM Switch with laptop and external monitor as extended desktop

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Satch

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#98445 28-Feb-2012 13:53

Hi,

I have set up a KVM switch between my desktop PC and Laptop in a docking station, and an LCD monitor. I use the LCD monitor as an extended desktop display when using it with my laptop.

The issue is that unless I boot my laptop with external LCD monitor connected and KVM switch pointing to the LCD external monitor, the external monitor shows a fuzzy picture and the LCD monitor says that the signal is not the optimal 1650 x 1050 resolution. Looking at the display settings on the laptop, it says it is outputting a 1650 x 1050 signal to the external LCD monitor. Also, sometimes the external keyboard does not work in this situation too.

If I connect everything up and THEN boot my laptop, the external display is fine. In both instances the laptop monitor always shows the correct resolution.

The way I have it set up is laptop on docking station, with DVI cable from docking station to KVM. Then DVI cable from KVM to external LCD monitor. Also have a DVI cable from my desktop to KVM. All cables are a mix of DVI-I and DVI-D.

My equipment is:

KVM Switch - Rextron DAG-12
Laptop - Lenovo ThinkPad T520 with docking station running Windows 7
External LCD Monitor - Samsung Syncmaster 226BW
Desktop - Running Windows 7

Are there any obvious answers to my monitor and keyboard issues?

Cheers.

gzt

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#588149 29-Feb-2012 08:45

Can the monitor correctly tell you what resolution is in use? Some can.

Satch

1985 posts

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#588279 29-Feb-2012 12:50

gzt: Can the monitor correctly tell you what resolution is in use? Some can.

I think it might be able to, but how would this be helpful? The laptop says the resolution on the external screen is 1650 x 1050.

Cheers.

Satch

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#588608 29-Feb-2012 22:30

My monitor says the resolution is 1900 x 1200 when it is all fuzzy. Does this mean anything? I'm keen to get this sorted because it is a pain to have to reboot every time I re-dock my laptop.

gzt

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#588617 29-Feb-2012 22:54

Satch: My monitor says the resolution is 1900 x 1200 when it is all fuzzy. Does this mean anything? I'm keen to get this sorted because it is a pain to have to reboot every time I re-dock my laptop.

It means your system is choosing that resolution as a default for some reason. If you can't figure out why, a 3rd party multiple monitor manager might be the best solution.

What do you currently use? the default windows software or a control particular to your video card? sometimes the two can confuse each other.

Satch

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#588800 1-Mar-2012 12:29

Ah ok, I get where you are coming from now.

The laptop has Windows 7 installed which obviously has its own inbuilt display software. Plus I have the Intel HD display console installed.

What 3rd party multi monitor software can you recommend? I didn't realise there was such a thing.

Cheers.

gzt

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#589328 2-Mar-2012 12:12

I would consider uninstalling the intel hd console & restarting a couple of times, see if behaves better.

I have never used 3rd party monitor management for very long, I do not know what to recommend.

UltraMon has been around a long time - http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/.

There are many more on zdnet and other download services.