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
    2011-10-25T22:47:57+00:00

    I've been tracking this for some time as I too suffer from this issue (KVM + 2 monitors).

    For our newcomers . . .

    There has been a lot of cross posting on video card drivers, etc.

    For those tuning in, this issue is specifically related to EDID/ DDC information not being broadcasted to all connected systems by the switch.

    Windows periodically polls for connected monitors, and the inactive system "forgets" its previous monitor connection through the KVM.

    Driver related solutions merely provide a work around, this is not an ATI or NVidia specific issue.

    Possible solution / Request for MS:

    It is clear that MS will not provide a mechanism to alter the basic mechanics of the polling model.

    Would there be the possibility of a "power toy" to emulate EDID responses in software?  This may not be trivial is this is currently done by some card makers at the driver level.  It would, however, provide a solution to affected users without re-architecting system functions or exposing protected API's.

    I have placed a request for such a program at Microsoft's Sysinternals site, and encourage everyone to chime in on the thread.

    Forum Home > Sysinternals Utilities > Utilities Suggestions ->

    EDID Emulation for KVM/Win7 Compatability

    http://forum.sysinternals.com/topic26881_post131427.html

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-10-24T16:51:08+00:00

    Oh boy! We are coming up on the 2nd anniversary of this problem, and Microsoft still has not found a reasonable answer other than buy new KVM??????

    Come on MS.  This is wholly unacceptable.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T01:52:19+00:00

    kvm 1Xdvi + 1Xvga monitor.  for a couple of months been suffering from the lose the dvi monitor when switch back to win7 machine deal.  having to detect to fix.  roll back of video driver rectified problem.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-10-04T12:50:53+00:00

    My issue has been resolved, in part to the wealth of information on this thread.  Thanks to all for that.  My issue was resolved with a new video card (probably needed one anyway) Although I am not a gamer and the card I had was planty for the graphics I use/need, the new card has resolve things.  It is a Radeon ATI based card rather than the GeForce 7300 Nvidia card.  I cannot answer if that is the difference or just the fact that the new card has some options for EDID.  (BTW it was $44.95 with a $10 rebate)  cheap fix given that I spent 4-5 hours reading the thread and trying different options!!! Again, thank for all the knowledge sharing on this thread, it was a valuable learning seesion.

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  5. Anonymous
    2011-10-03T15:09:31+00:00

    It is a software issue for sure, I have 2 disks on the same PC, one with 32 bit windows 7 and one with 64 bit. The 32 bit drive works fine. I suspect a change in the NVIDIA driver.

    One workaround that may work for some:

    After you switch out your second monitor, press the Windows+P. This brings up a pop-up that allows you to change the monitor arrangement. Select "Extend". Now when you switch your second monitor back, all is ok. You can also press this when you switch back your second monitor and it will get your main one back. Unfortunately it re-sizes your windows. Faster than doing the auto detect though.

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