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
    2009-12-02T23:45:37+00:00

    Thank you Kevin for looking into this!!  Here's my info again just in case anyone missed it:

    KVM: Iogear, model# gcs1764

    Graphics Card: XFX, Nvidia GTS 250

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-12-02T15:07:42+00:00

    Similar issue. Once the monitor/or PC is turned off, going back to it with the KVM switch screws up the resolution. (Sets it much lower)

    Switch: Trendnet 4-port USB - TK-407

    Port 1: Win Xp, Nvida 210

    Port 2- Win 7, Nvida 7300gs.

    Both using VGA ports.

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-12-02T08:48:39+00:00

    Ditto.  Adding hardware to solve a software problem is a solution that's dead on arrival.  I just want to be able to turn my HDMI extended monitor off overnight and not have to rearrange my collapsed dual desktop when I turn it back on in the morning!

    That this is a software bug is illustrated by the fact that collapsing everything to the primary monitor doesn't happen when I turn the secondary off but happens when I turn it back ON!  D'oh.

    A patch or registry fix is absolutely the only tolerable solution.  It's not about KVM, it's about an OS problem.  Find the fix.  Please don't insult us by suggesting a KVM hardware replacement when we are not even using one.

    A collapsed rearrangement should ONLY occur if I explicitly revert from dual to single display via the control panel.  No other behavior is justifiable.

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  4. 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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  5. 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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