KVM switch + Windows 7 creates monitor switching nightmare

Anonymous
2009-10-29T16:44:18+00:00

I have a problem with Windows 7 and my KVM switch (Iogear model# gcs1764) which is makes switching via KVM an absolute nightmare.  The iogear KVM does not use drivers nor are any available on their website.

Here's what happens:

I switch from Win 7 (2 monitors) to XP (1 monitor) via KVM.  When I switch back to Win 7 (2 monitors) sometimes Win 7 will throw my desktop to the 2nd monitor (1st monitor goes blank) and opening up display settings only shows the 2nd monitor as existing.  It's as if the 1st monitor is now unplugged which it isn't.  At this point I have to go into display settings, click Detect, and then it re-detects my 1st monitor and "extends" my desktop back out over 2 monitors.  All windows have now been thrown to my 1st monitor and i have to rearrange all my work back across 2 monitors.  This is why KVM switching in Win 7 makes my work life a living nightmare.  This isn't all of it either...

When everything gets thrown to my first monitor, it takes any windows that were maximized and resizes them to about 1/4 my screen size.  Due to compatibility issues between Win 7 and SQL Server Management Studio, Management Studio has a redraw bug that doesn't "re-size" the query window correctly.  So even though I maximize the app, when I start typing in the query window my text disappears about 1/4 the way across the whole window.  The only way to fix this is to save all my work, close the app, and then re-open the app with all my work.  So basically every time I switch computers there's about a 1/5 chance I have rinse and repeat everything I just typed above.  Fun times.

So are there any future fixes planned for this?  I have tried everything and nothing fixes this problem.  I have all the latest Nvidia drivers (my card: Nvidia GTS 250).

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-12-01T17:24:55+00:00

    Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 7300 LE

    I'm not using a KVM, but as has already been established in this thread the KVM is not the issue, it's the detection of unplugged monitors that is. And every time I turn my monitor off (when leaving my computer but not turning it off) the windows size and arrangement get's all ______ up. Make it stop!

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-12-01T14:37:02+00:00

    KVM Pro - I don't disagree that supporting EDID is not the correct path to take - what I disagree with is that it's being forced on us with no option to turn it off. 

    Even your option of emulator's is not a good option.  Let's assume I was just working with 2 monitors - that's $70.  I can buy one of your own companies units (BTW:  Aren't you a bit biased here...) for $60.  That's the same as replacing.  In my scenario I shouldn't have to spend a minimum of $210 (6 ports in use) in order to upgrade to Windows 7 and have my system's functionality as expected (Interesting that your company doesn't have an 8 port unit - I haven't found one yet that supports EDID).  Sooner or later I will have to purchase a new unit - and when I do so I will make sure that the new one supports EDID - but until then I shouldn't have these problems just because I don't have 'Top of the Line' hardware.

    And that still doesn't help the people who don't use KVM's and just turn their monitors off and have their resolutions screwed up.

    Joseph W. Leathlean

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-12-01T07:27:40+00:00

    @KVM PRO

    The suggestion that we buy new hardware is not going to go down well with my company, which was considering upgrading the OS but uses KVM switching routinely.

    Having to buy an EDID adapter is no more of a solution than having to buy a new KVM switch, unless of course, you're offering to pay for it?

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-12-01T04:54:41+00:00

    Here you go Kevin:

    1. KVM Switch Make/Model: IOGear 4-Port DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables GCS1764
    2. Video Card Make/Model: ASUS EAH4670/DI/512M/A Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready
    3. Monitor: HP w2408

    Also, the other system I connect to the KVM is a HP 6910p Laptop

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  5. Anonymous
    2009-12-01T04:42:45+00:00

    I did read all the thread each one of them.  I understand that people who just upgraded or  purchased KVM switches which did not pass EDID information will feel very frustrated by the suggestion of changing their hardware again.  However, I did not just suggest change the KVM switch at a whole.  There are still solutions for just adding an EDID adapter in which users don't need to change their KVM switch at all.

    Talking about the OS development, if you do an in-depth research of history of OS, you will find that constantly checking the IO devices' status can be found also on many Linux versions and even with old versions of SUN OS.   I do believe that if the KVM manufacturers can provide some trade-in or upgrade of their old KVM, it will be the best solution for all of us.

    Even Toyota can recall millions of their best selling car, I think the users of KVM switches also have the right to request more stable and more transparent KVM switches.  Please read the Display Guidline for KVM Switch in Windows 7 - (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/display/KVM-Win7.mspx) which point out what are the command design mistakes with most of the traditional KVM switches.

     I truly believe that transparent communication between OS and connected I/O devices make Windows 7 an advanced OS and a good OS.

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