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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

401 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2010-01-09T23:09:45+00:00

    There's a problem here, and it doesn't have anything to do with KVM switches...  My scenario is similar, but I'm not using a KVM.  I've got a dual monitor NVidia GT220 video card.  Monitor #1 is connected with the DVI connector.  Monitor #2 uses the standard VGA connector.  When Windows 7 goes into SLEEP mode, all applications are moved onto monitor #1 and I see that when the computer wakes up.  SO... this isn't JUST a KVM.  Buying a new KVM won't solve the problem. 

    As a further test, if I cut the power to both monitors, and then restore power to monitor #2 using the vga connector, I see that the computer can only see that there is one monitor connected to the computer.

    Surely there is some way to prevent Windows 7 from totally ignoring the sleeping or disconnected monitor (connected via the DVI connector) and resetting where all of the applications are.  You would think that Windows wouldn't move the windows before sleep mode starts, or before the computer is completely awake.  What gives?

    EDIT 1/12/2010:  Problem SOLVED.

    I did a windows update and installed new NVidia drivers on the box - and the problem has gone away.  I can now cut power to the monitors, turn them off, or let the computer go to sleep, and all windows will stay positioned correctly.  Perhaps this is just a driver issue.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-01-09T09:06:37+00:00

    For my simple setup, a notebook with a second monitor on its HDMI port, I can avoid problems when I want to turn off the monitors at night by first clicking on "Show Desktop" bar at the far right of the task bar to get all windows hidden, then turning off the second monitor, and then the notebook display.

    To come back up without collapsing all windows to the notebook display, reverse the process.  Turn notebook display on, turn second monitor on and then click the "Show Desktop" bar.

    Pure and utter nonsense that such ____ is necessary.  And worse that it remains so.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2010-01-09T03:02:47+00:00

    This is exactly the position I am in driven2040, however for me I am able to fix my resolution manually every time Win7 screws it up.

    I dont like it. But I dont like running xp more.

    I can afford this workaround because it's just my system.

    I would never roll out a work around like the one I am using to end users.

    I sympathise with you for being unable to make the transition at this time due to such a seemingly simple limitation.

    I only hope Microsoft are motivated to resolve it quickly. At least now the bottom line impact is visible as penetration of multiple monitor deployments is clearly increasing in the market.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2010-01-09T00:45:21+00:00

    The implementation of the "feature" in Windows 7 means our company cannot migrate to Windows 7, and so we need to stay with Vista or rollback to XP.   I'll check this thread in 6 months to see if this is solved and in the meantime, we are halting any further testing and debugging of Windows 7.  Not worth wasting more time on this absurd issue. 

    If you have multiple monitor systems on high resolution DVI monitors, Windows 7 is unworkable in its present state.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments