HDMI output not working.

MvdB said:

That sounds like vga is cloned from the hdmi tv.

I would boot in Safe mode, delete graphics drivers, reboot with no tv or vga connection, let W7 re-install...
And hopefully, start over cleanly.

Before I do that... quick question. Wouldn't restoring W7 from a system image have fixed the problem if it were a driver issue?

TVeblen said:

If the image were taken before the issue began to show then yes, it would.

Yeah... system was definitely working fine when image was taken.

What about flashing the BIOS... think that might be worth a shot?

TVeblen said:

No, don't flash your BIOS. The only time flashing the BIOS is necessary is to gain some increased functionality or to correct bug fixes. There is a very small possibility that your issue could be due to a BIOS code bug, but pretty unlikely IMHO, as you had the functionality previously.

If you want to test, a better option is to reset the BIOS. If your issue were caused by some change to your BIOS settings, resetting would correct that.

The easiest way is to go into the BIOS, navigate to the last tab (usually the EXIT tab), and choose "Load Setup Defaults" or similar. It is always a good idea to write down your current settings before you do this in case you need to go back to any original setting.

A more thorough way is to do a "BIOS Reset", which on a laptop is equal to a CLR CMOS on a desktop. You do this by shutting down the laptop, unplug the power supply, remove the laptop battery, the press and hold down the POWER button for a good 30 seconds or more to drain all power from the motherboard. Then replace the battery, plug in the power supply and reboot.

Both of the above procedures work without altering the BIOS chip. Flashing the BIOS involves erasing the BIOS chip and rewriting new code to it and always has the potential danger of failing (turning your computer into a "brick", or a doorstop) and should only be performed for good reason.

Ok, thanks for your input TVeblen... I'll avoid flashing. Definitely don't want to turn this somewhat minor issue into something catastrophic.

I tried resetting the BIOS a few days ago... no luck.

MvdB said:

RockStar21 said:

What about flashing the BIOS... think that might be worth a shot?

I'd try the other steps first, ie my previous post and if that does not work, go back to that previous image. Only flash BIOS if that does not work either...

Restoring from system image was one of the first things I tried when this happened... didn't fix. Just deleted drivers in safe mode... same situation. Guess we're running out of options here.