How can I manually set the display resolution?

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I have two computers and 1 monitor and a KVM switch.

One of the computers will not recognise that there is a display (HP 24″ monitor) over the VGA port via the KVM switch. There seems to be a line missing somewhere. If I correct it directly to the monitor, it works.

So, I thought I’d try using a DVI to VGA converter (the computer also has DVI). That works, but it sees the monitor with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. The native resolution is 1920 x 1200.

I then tried DisplayPort to VGA – that also works but also does not have 1920 x 1200 as a resolution.

So, at the moment, I am stuck. Is there a way I can “force” Windows 7 to set the resolution correctly?

I have tried to change the monitor driver but it tells me I have the latest.

Any clues appreciated.

regards

Alan

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Hi, Alan.

I’d say that the KVM, being VGA by the sound of it, is the limiting factor. Which make/model# is it?

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The other thing to mention is that when the Windows 7 PC starts up, the boot screen will show on the monitor if using VGA directly – it’s only when Windows starts up that it all goes black again. I have tried loading newer drivers, but it makes no difference.

I don’t think I can solve this issue (It’s an HP company build so I can’t do too much to it) which is why I want to see if I can manually set the resolution using DVI or Displayport to VGA converters.

Alan

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The KVM works fine with my other system and two others that I have connected (it’s a 4 way KVM). It’s just this one Windows 7 box (which has a specific HP derived build on it) which is causing problems.

As to the make & model, I can’t remember but it’s a good one with keyboard, button and software change control.

Alan

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Ok, I have seen something similar with the display showing at boot but getting ‘lost’ when Windows takes over when I used to use a VGA KVM. It wasn’t an OEM Windows but I don’t remember whether I ‘fixed’ it or not 🙁

Do you have the HP drivers loaded for the monitor, so that you can set resolution and refresh rates properly, rather than relying on Windows plug and play display defaults? There should be a zipped *.inf set available from HP.

When it comes to OEM Windows builds, differences are difficult to figure out but they can prove troublesome. We have a member here who has several HP notebooks in his household and installs Retail Windows on them as soon as they arrive!

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Yes, I have loaded the HP drivers for the monitor and it makes no difference.

Alan

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I’ve experienced the same type problem with a KVM setup with a 21.5″ monitor. Turned out the graphics adapter in one computer couldn’t use the higher setting so I keep them all at 1440×900, also easier on my eyes. Using WinVista, Win7, Win8.1 and Linux Mint 17.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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Cheers – but that is not my issue. The PC WILL do 1920 x 1200 – it’s just not playing ball when I go through my KVM.

So, back to my original question – can I manually set the resolution of a screen from within Windows 7 , overriding the defaults allowed.

Alan

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What I don’t think I’ve seen advised on here is to right click on an empty space on the desktop and select Screen Resolution – and then use the slider in the dropdown if you have that option on a desktop – laptops tend to be a bit limited.

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Cheers – but that is not my issue. The PC WILL do 1920 x 1200 – it’s just not playing ball when I go through my KVM.

So, back to my original question – can I manually set the resolution of a screen from within Windows 7 , overriding the defaults allowed.

Alan

Yes, but if that setting is not available in Control Panel, Display it won’t be selectable. Obviously the monitor could work with it so it’s up to that video adapter or video card to support it. But then the KVM could have a problem with the port in use, try rearranging the KVM cables to other ports, see if the problem moves to a different computer.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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Yes, you should be able to ‘List all modes’ from the Screen resolution > Advanced settings > Adapter tab and select/Apply the 1920x1200x60 32bit there. Whether it will work or not is another matter – fingers crossed, eh?

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I have tried different cables. Not sure if I’ve tried different ports, but as it works on laptop boot (did I say its a laptop? ) I wouldn’t expect that to make a difference.

As to selecting the resolution manually, yes I tried that, even tried selecting ‘unsupported modes’ and still no sign of 1920 x 1200.

Alan

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Don’t know what you have on your HP but this Tosh laptop has AMD and you can open CCC and Desktop Displays – Add/Remove Display where it will detect what is connected to the laptop – does yours have anything like that ?

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Yes and it does detect a display but does not display the correct resolutions.

It gets weirder (I haven’t mentioned this before). I actually have 2 24″ displays – both identical. When they are both on DVI (the docking station has twin DVI outputs), all works fine. When one is on Displayport through to the KVM, that monitor does not display correctly.

Alan

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I assume you are trying to set different resolution for both monitor. I don’t think you can define individual resolution for both monitor.

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I want them to be the same – the trouble is, one is coming up as 1920 x 1080 when the native resolution for both is 1920 x 1200

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What is native resolution of another monitor. Have you try to connect only Hp monitor without other one. I think your second monitor (not hp) native resolution will be 1980×1080 that’s why your computer can’t set more resolution than your another monitor need.

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Both monitors are identical. The native resolution of both is 1920 x 1200.

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What problem is occurring to you when you try to change resolution? Or there are all resolution available except 1980×1200. One board video card or Gaming GPU? one more thing HDMI before 1.4 is not capable of higher res than 1080×1980. Check your monitor specs if it is HDMI 1.3 or higher.

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The monitor will do 1920 x 1200. As I said, when I connect directly using DVI, it works fine.

Yes, there are a few resolutions available in the list, but not that one, when I am going via the KVM switch.

Alan

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Sounding to me like putting the KVM in the mix is causing a reduction of the data signal to the monitor.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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Its possible. But it works with my desktop device through the KVM.

OK – if no-one knows how to manually modify the screen resolution (I was expecting a registry hack or similar), I’ll carry on the old way.

Alan

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