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
    2011-11-02T01:07:46+00:00

    Starguy's Solution (page 33) worked perfect for me.

    1 pc with nvidia and vista

    1 pc with ATI and XP

    Trendnet usb kvm

    blinks + black screen before (only on the bloody vista)

    works like a dream after

    tnx!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-11-29T13:20:04+00:00

    I'm not offering this as a solution but it seems to be working for me (at least until Microsoft Update screws it up).

    I too had the problem with dual monitor configuration either switching displays or going blank on a monitor.

    [ I also got an audible beep in the sound system when it screws up ]

    I disable the TMM registry entry (page 4 of this thread) and rebooted.

    This did not work for me, but I left it disabled.

    I did not try removing any pins from any cables (page 33).

    Looking at the wikipedia page "Comparison of multi-monitor software" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_multi-monitor_software

    I downloaded "ZBar" and installed it and added it to the startup and the dual monitor problems seems to have gone away.

    My Setup

    UDV-DM04 - Dual DVI KVM 4 port Switch (Cyberguys 104-0855 $160.00)

    CPU 1 - Astaro Security Linux with a Radeon HD5450 (single monitor)

    CPU 2 - Microsoft Windows Home Server with a Radeon HD5450 (single monitor)

    CPU 3 - Microsoft Windows 7SP1 Home Preminum with a Radeon HD2600XT (dual monitors)

    CPU 4 - Microsoft Windows 7SP1 Ultimate with a Radeon HD2600XT (dual monitors)

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-11-29T15:17:56+00:00

    Great tip Sammie, I've been following this thread already for two years and installing Zbar definitely solves the problem. Besides, it's useful.

    Thanks indeed,

    Daniel

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  5. Anonymous
    2011-11-29T15:47:30+00:00

    You're Welcome (Zbar Optimist)

    It seems to me that it worked, but I couldn't believe it was that simple after the numerous posts that I've read over this subject.

    That is why I chose to at least leave a new possibility for people to try on somebody's thread, and this thread at least had a fairly recent posting date.

    Hopefully Windows Update won't set us back a step.

    I only found Zbar by reading through a lot of wikipedia monitor pages.

    Zbar is simple and nice.   Right click on the zbar for the task manager.

    SLG

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