2nd monitor added but goes black after a few seconds..

Spetz · 02 Nov 2010

I just added a 2nd monitor today to my comp, a Philips 109s. It turns on fine, displays the extended screen but after maybe 7 seconds, it goes black. If I change something within the screen res section(ie landscape to portrait), it fires back up, but goes black again in a few seconds. When the 2nd monitor is on, I can mouse over to it no probs.. The power lite always remains green (on).. Basically everything is set properly, but it just goes black again until I change a property..any ideas ?

My setup:
Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit - all updates
Main display Dell E248WFP
2nd Display Philips 109s
GTX 260 (main display DVI-DVI cable, 2nd display DVI-VGA cable) - newest drivers
Both displays set at their native resolution within the screen res section
2nd monitor to the left and "extend these displays" on.

thefabe · 02 Nov 2010

Just out of curiousity is this a new monitor and how is it connected?
Please take the time also to fill in your entire system specs here

2nd monitor added but goes black after a few seconds..-usercp-1.png

You can use this program to help with that Speccy - System Information - Free Download
Thanks. Fabe

Spetz · 02 Nov 2010

I just got it today, used but free, so it's not a big deal if it's busted, but I was told it worked.
It's connects via 2nd DVI port with a DVI to VGA cable (no adapter)

thefabe · 02 Nov 2010

I take it then it's a CRT? Just wondering if windows is having problems with the different refresh rates and resolutions.
Fabe

Spetz · 02 Nov 2010

Sorry, should have said it's an LCD. They both are.
Should they be set at the same refresh rate ? I checked them out, the Dell was at 59 Mhz, the Philips was at 60Mhz. I set them both to 60.

thefabe · 02 Nov 2010

Their basically the same, if the 59 will hold the 60 go and go ahead an set it to it. Usually it rounds it off.

Do both LCD's show up in device manager as what they are? If not then you might want to search for the driver (.inf file) for the other or both.
This way Windows will be able to recognize them for what they are and allow full access to the available resolutions especially the native of each LCD.

If you would Copy and Paste an expanded view of monitors in device manager we can see how they are listed if the new one is PNP then that's most likely where your problem is.
Fabe

bassfisher6522 · 02 Nov 2010

There are default refresh rates for each monitor. I have a dual set up as well and same problem....both were set to 60mhz and change second one to 75mhz and problem solved. Play with the refresh rate of the second monitor. There is also a check box to force it to show all the refresh rates if you don't have any choices.

thefabe · 03 Nov 2010

bassfisher6522 said:

There are default refresh rates for each monitor. I have a dual set up as well and same problem....both were set to 60mhz and change second one to 75mhz and problem solved. Play with the refresh rate of the second monitor. There is also a check box to force it to show all the refresh rates if you don't have any choices.

Hopefully once he logs back on we'll know if it's fixed.
Fabe

Spetz · 03 Nov 2010

Here you go, I tried looking for drivers, but can't find any that actually work on Win7 x64. It always says my driver is up to date. Found the below kind of interesting tho..Regardless, the 2nd monitor still goes black after about 7 - 10 seconds. FURTHER..it's a Philips 190s6FB..made a mistake earlier

But you go to "add device and printer" and you get this..

bassfisher6522 · 04 Nov 2010

To check the 2nd monitor itself, disconnect first monitor and connect 2nd monitor as pirmary monitor. If it works then we know it's good if not it's a good chance it's bad. This will tell us it's a refresh rate or cable problem.

To check/change refresh rates.

1. right click anywhere on open area of desktop
2. select screen resolution
3. select display
4. click advance settings
5. select monitor tab
6. click screen refresh rate and select different rate from the drop down menu. Right below that is where you'll see the box to check/uncheck for different refresh rates or modes. If there is only one choice then uncheck box, this will give you more options.

Once you gone through this and it's not resolved the next step is to check cables. I see that you have a DVI to VGA connection. First try a VGA to VGA, then DVI to DVI. If you have to barrow some cables from a friend or buy some,there about $20 each.