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
    2011-10-08T01:52:19+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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Anonymous
    2011-10-03T14:12:29+00:00

    As many of these posts seems simalar, but with slight variations, I will share my issues and my work-around.

    2 computers-(business) Dell 630 with docking station/port replicator running Win7 enterprise, Self built tower with AMD chipset and GeForce 7300 graphics card running Win7Home Premium. 

    I am running 3 monitors sharing a central monitor on on both computers.  When switching to my homesystem, it flips to the shared (KVM) monitor as a single monitor.  When switching to the Dell D630, everything works perfectly.

    Work-around: Open the NVidia Control Panel and everything corrects itself.  There have never been any resolution changes, just the loss of dual monitors when switching to the home system.

    I have tried many of the thoughts in this thread that seem to be similar issues with no louck.  I suppose just having to open the NVidia control panel and close it is easier/cheaper than many others options, I will live with it until MS decides to action this issue.

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  5. Anonymous
    2011-09-29T19:09:14+00:00

    Hi mdorais,

    Thank you for visiting Microsoft Answers.

    It is a  problem found with those KVM switches which did not pass the console display's EDID and DDC information to all the systems connected to the KVM switch.

    That explains when you switch/select to other channel of connected system, the connected system simply cannot recognize what display had been connected, so end up with setback to system default (normally is 800 x 600).

    Windows 7 checks display and display card constantly different from what XP and other operating systems did.

    To solve this issue, just replace the KVM switch with those KVM switches supporting FULL TIME/ Active DDC function.

    Please check ConnectPRO new UR or PR serial KVM switches which support Active DDC function to all the ports.

    Visit this link for more information:

    http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/display/KVM-Win7.mspx

     Regards,

    Afzal-Microsoft Support.

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

    Thats simply unnacceptable. Seriously, your solution to changes MS made to its OS that changes how it works is to BUY NEW HARDWARE???! Ridiculous. MS has no business changing something without leaving legacy support for basic things like KVM switches that work with all other OS versions. Thats just completely an unnacceptable answer. My KVM Switch cost $500+ and was purchased within the last 2 years. There is no way MSFT should be doing these types of screwy policies.

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