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
    2010-04-05T12:12:30+00:00

    Problem just started for me.  I also use a KVM with w7 on a laptop.  I bought the laptop on clearance (display model), there was seemingly no problem.  Used it for a couple of weeks fine.  Then I decided to do a fresh install to remove any malicious software that may have been installed by a "customer".  After the fresh install the problem appeared.  I did do a backup before the fresh install so I may reinstall from the backup and test again if one of the possible software solutions does not work, if there is no problem then I will see if I can figure out the issue of why the one copy of windows works fine while the other does not.  My KVM was a $360 8port rackmount when I bought it, so not really feasible to just go buy a new one.

    I agree that it is probably a DRM issue if they have no intention of fixing it.  And if anyone does manage a workaround, they will probably re-fix their DRM.  After all we can't have unhappy executives in the arts industries.

    If I come up with anything, I'll post it.  (I clicked need an answer also)  Laptop has an ATI vid & mon is Samsung 2494SW.

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-04-03T23:03:11+00:00

    As per your request, and being the right thing to do, I have marked that this needs answered.. .. ..

    Originally I read the DVI was Pin #6, then in another post I read pin #6 & #7 (reference links above)

    If you look at the Wikipedia pin out you can see that #6=DDC Clock[SCL] #7=DDC Data[SCA]

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_Data_Channel (used to transport edid information)

    http://www.interfacebus.com/Design_Connector_I2C.html (SCL vs SCA)

    I am on the road for the next 2 weeks, so I can't modify any cables to verify which or if it works as desired :(

    If anyone else has any cables laying around and wants to try I would like to hear the results.

    about a $4 experiment . . .

    http://www.amazon.com/Eforcity-Black-Meter-DVI-D-Digital/dp/B000E8SY5G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265777467&sr=8-6

    http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10209

    Best Wishes

    Mike

    Hey Mike,

    Any luck with this solution?  I look forward to hearing if this actually worked, and exactly what pins do I remove to reproduce your results.

    Awaiting your response!

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