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Resolved External monitor will not work on laptop

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by txvin, 2012/07/11.

  1. 2012/07/11
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    External flat panel monitor was working fine last night and previous 2 plus years. Possibly coincidental, but I downloaded latest Microsoft security patches last night and shut computer down. When I rebooted this morning the external monitor would not operate. The laptop monitor works fine. I have checked the monitor and cable on another desktop computer with no issues. I have tinkered with the display settings, downloaded an updated Intel driver, fn >> f4 on keyboard with no success. The monitor is connected through a docking station and I also tried with monitor connected directly to laptop. Any ideas, help or tips would be appreciated. :confused:
     
    txvin,
    #1
  2. 2012/07/12
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You give no indication as to which OS you are running .....

    Please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions!

    May be pure coincidence that the issue coincided with Patch Tuesday, but I would uninstall those updates (you could make a System Restore to a point prior to Patch Tuesday) and see if the issue is resolved.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2012/07/12
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    My OS information is detailed in my system specifications - Windows XP Pro/Version 2002/SP3profile. Is more detail needed here?
     
    txvin,
    #3
  5. 2012/07/12
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You have missed out the final step .....
    Have you tried my suggestions? .....
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2012/07/12
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete, Thanks for the tip on showing system details. I have been busy at work and hope to roll back updates and perform System Restore tonight. May need some help with this. Should I back up hard drive first?
     
    txvin,
    #5
  7. 2012/07/12
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    It is always wise, essential IMO, to maintain a current backup of all your important data on independent media to cover for any eventuality from a hard drive failure right through to the loss of the computer seeing that it is a laptop. Note that you cannot copy the Operating System to a backup as it is in use - the drive must be imaged using third party imaging software for XP (Windows 7 has a built in imaging facility).

    Not all Windows updates can be uninstalled - those that can will be listed (in XP) in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. You can identify those from the last batch through their installation date.

    If uninstalling those updates that can be uninstalled does not resolve the issue a System Restore should remove those that cannot be uninstalled by the above route.

    If the issue is resolved you should reinstall the updates one by one to find the culprit. This may be achieved by setting Updates to Notify rather than Automatic.

    If the issue is not resolved by a System Restore as the last resort the most likely cause is hardware or the graphics driver which you could update/reinstall the graphics driver in the laptop.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2012/07/13
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    I removed all Windows updates from 03/10/12 in add/remove programs, rebooted problem not resolved.

    Attempted System Restore twice to two different points but after rebooting was informed that System Restore could not be performed.
     
    txvin,
    #7
  9. 2012/07/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I know we use different date formats this side of the pond, but I suspect a typo here .... 07/10/12 ?? That's by the by as the issue remains - only possibility re. updates is that some are not listed for uninstall and they are causing the problem - no way of knowing with System Restore not functioning, but that is an issue for another thread and out of the equation here.

    Looks like your issue may be pure coincidence and the cause is hardware.

    Have you determined that the Fn key combination for toggling the displays is fully functional - should toggle laptop screen > laptop + external > external, not necessarily in that order. If the toggle action is working the keyboard can be ruled out and we are left with a fault on the motherboard - unlikely to be the VGA connector on the laptop or the interface between the laptop and the dock or the dock VGA connector as neither works.

    I think you need professional hands on advice on this issue.
     
    PeteC,
    #8
  10. 2012/07/13
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    That was a typo on the date in previous post, meant 07/10/12. Sorry about that!

    I attempted System Restore point to earlier dates as well with no success. The fn >>> f4 toggling function appears to be working correctly which should rule out the keyboard.

    If laptop screen works fine does that rule out issues with Graphics Driver or Video Card?

    Although this is also purely coincidence, I experienced massive storms with lightning in early morning after Windows updates while computer was shut down. It caused temporary power outages and caused one circuit breaker to shut off that happens to be for my home office. All devices are on surge protectors and I have no issues.

    I agree that hardware is most likely the issue. I work for a small company that owns the laptop. We have IT person on staff who will look into issue remotely on Monday. Will post any progress or results.

    Pete - Thanks for your help
     
    txvin,
    #9
  11. 2012/07/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You're welcome :)
    I think you can rule out the driver, but the graphics chip - maybe an issue within the chip or on the motherboard with switching the output?

    Keep us posted re. the outcome please.
     
    PeteC,
    #10
  12. 2012/08/09
    txvin

    txvin Inactive Thread Starter

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    Did not find solution to problem so I am off to look for new computer and use current one as laptop only. Not sure how to close thread but marking as solved.

    Pete - thanks again for your tips and suggestions.
     
    txvin,
    #11
  13. 2012/08/10
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You're welcome :) - just sorry that a solution could not be found.
     
    PeteC,
    #12
  14. 2012/08/10
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Did you ever try that monitor on another computer? Or another monitor on your notebook?
     
    Bill,
    #13
  15. 2012/08/10
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    See post #1
     
    PeteC,
    #14
  16. 2012/08/10
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Doh! Sorry.
     
    Bill,
    #15

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