Solved 32 Bit Monitor Driver on 64 bit machine

I'm aware that 32 bit drivers will not work on a 64 bit machine, yet it doesn't stop me from wanting to ask this question. I have an advanced knowledge of most computer issues, but this one is stumping me all around.

I have a Samsung SyncMaster 710n that I picked up, used, for a decent price, and it broke my heart when I connected it to my Dell Optiplex 755.

I set the resolution low before swapping the monitor, not knowing what the highest resolution it would display. I set it at 1024x768. It has the 4:3 aspect ratio. To my surprise, it told me that the optimum resolution was 1280x1024, without displaying my computers graphics. It bounced around the default error message and I reconnected my old (broken) monitor and changed it to that display resolution. When I reconnected the SyncMaster 710n, in 1280x1024, it was still bouncing around that message!? Huh!?

So after some tears and anger, I tried a reboot to see if maybe windows would recognize the change. It did, and installed a generic pnp driver, and the screen came up in 1024x768, AND 1280x1024.

Here's the problem: Time to time, without any real reason, the monitor will error and go back into 'safe' mode. (note: monitor safe mode, not 'computer' safe mode) and display "This is not your optimum resolution", no matter what the computer's resolution is set at.

So, I have searched high and low for a Samsung monitor driver for use on a 64 bit platform. Even today, while writing this post, I'm using the Samsung SynchMaster 710n, and it has error-ed, leaving me to unplug the monitor's cables to the computer and ac power.

My question is: Is there a driver somewhere in the deep interwebs that I'm not finding? How hard would it be to write (or modify) the .ini to fix this problem? Are there any solutions besides a.) installing a 32 bit os (dual boot), b.) buying a new monitor, c.) living with the generic pnp driver and the subsequent errors?

I'm using the stock/ onboard Dell Optiplex 755 graphics card, and the rest of my specs can be found on the bottom of my post.

Thanks for your help, people!

I have many 32 bit drivers on my 64 bit OS system and they all work without problems. Many programs I have installed, such as the old MS Office 2003 is not 64 bit but they work OK.

I would suspect the monitor, or interface cable, rather than a driver or PC problem since you have another monitor that works OK. Possibly why the monitor was on the used market?

xsynfulx said:

I'm aware that 32 bit drivers will not work on a 64 bit machine, yet it doesn't stop me from wanting to ask this question. I have an advanced knowledge of most computer issues, but this one is stumping me all around.

I have a Samsung SyncMaster 710n that I picked up, used, for a decent price, and it broke my heart when I connected it to my Dell Optiplex 755.

Click to expand...

Have you visited the manufacturer's site to see if they have 64-bit drivers available?

You also need to figure out what the native res of said monitor is, and also, update your video card drivers.

I set the resolution low before swapping the monitor, not knowing what the highest resolution it would display.

Click to expand...

Here's the problem: Time to time, without any real reason, the monitor will error and go back into 'safe' mode. (note: monitor safe mode, not 'computer' safe mode) and display "This is not your optimum resolution", no matter what the computer's resolution is set at.

Click to expand...

This is very likely due to the fact that you have the monitor set at an improper resolution. Or... the monitor is/was damaged.

Lastly, depending on the age of that monitor, Windows will natively install default drivers for it, so that really shouldn't be an issue. You probably just need to figure out the proper res, and update your video card drivers.




Peace

I'm very sure it is the monitor not supporting 64 bit as I've changed between 3 cables. The previous monitor has been dropped, cracked, and 'rainbowed', besides having a magnet gauss it.

The driver is a 32 bit, downloaded directly from Samsungs website, and it is the correct driver for the monitor, not the operating system. When I attempt to install the driver via the Samsung website, it includes a friendly 'setup.exe', along with the sm177n.cat, sm177n.ini and sm177n.icm files. Running the setup, it says that the setup does not support 64 bit systems. Doing it through the device manager (in attempt to force it), it gives me the error message "The folder you specified does not contain a compatible software driver for your device. If the folder contains a driver, make sure that it is designed to work with 64 bit systems." ... so let's skip the obvious "did you turn the computer on" questions? I'm very sure I have pinpointed the issue, being that the hardware wasn't designed to work with a 64 bit system. That's obvious. The monitor works without issues on 4 different 32 bit machines, using all 3 cables for extended periods and under many different stress tests.

sygnus21 said:

xsynfulx said:

I'm aware that 32 bit drivers will not work on a 64 bit machine, yet it doesn't stop me from wanting to ask this question. I have an advanced knowledge of most computer issues, but this one is stumping me all around.

I have a Samsung SyncMaster 710n that I picked up, used, for a decent price, and it broke my heart when I connected it to my Dell Optiplex 755.

Click to expand...

Have you visited the manufacturer's site to see if they have 64-bit drivers available?

You also need to figure out what the native res of said monitor is, and also, update your video card drivers.

I set the resolution low before swapping the monitor, not knowing what the highest resolution it would display.

Click to expand...

Here's the problem: Time to time, without any real reason, the monitor will error and go back into 'safe' mode. (note: monitor safe mode, not 'computer' safe mode) and display "This is not your optimum resolution", no matter what the computer's resolution is set at.

Click to expand...

This is very likely due to the fact that you have the monitor set at an improper resolution. Or... the monitor is/was damaged.

Lastly, depending on the age of that monitor, Windows will natively install default drivers for it, so that really shouldn't be an issue. You probably just need to figure out the proper res, and update your video card drivers.




Peace

Click to expand...

Yes, all of my computer drivers are completely up to date, including the BIOS. I've used current versions of all the other drivers from Dell's website. Yes, windows has installed a plug-n-play generic driver. While it DOES display (I'm using it right now), that doesn't stop the occasional hiccup where the monitor goes into safe mode ~ONLY~ on the 64 bit system.

The native resolution for the monitor is 1280x1024, which will still flip the monitor into safe mode. 1024x768 will also procure the same results.

Yes, I've searched high and low and everywhere in between for a 64 bit version of this driver, between Samsungs website, and other 3rd party websites. My hardware issue is a unique one that I don't think anyone else has personally encountered.

I've done all the normal troubleshooting steps, and I'm no noob. I force drivers to work some/ most of the time, if I can't find specific ones. This one, however, has stumped me.

This is a hardware driver issue. The problem driver is the Samsung SyncMaster 710n. It was only released in 32 bit. I don't know enough about driver scripting to write my own .ini file or the subsequent effects it could/ would have.

xsynfulx said:

" ... so let's skip the obvious "did you turn the computer on" questions? I'm very sure I have pinpointed the issue, being that the hardware wasn't designed to work with a 64 bit system.

Click to expand...

The monitor is old, there have been no drivers released for ten years and none of them were compatible with any OS past XP. Buy a new one.

Even though they may not be any "64-bit" drivers from Samsung, Windows will install default drivers which should work. I'm fairly sure your issue is you're using an improper resolution.

Here's and example. I just recently, as in last week, bought a high end display monitor, and just installed it. I hadn't even installed the official drivers and Windows still picked it up and in this case, set it to it's native resolution.

With that, I say try running the monitor at a resolution of 1280 x 1024, 60 Hertz. This is according to the user's manual downloaded here: Support - LCD 710N | Samsung Monitors. Page 48.

Let us know.

There is absolutely no reason or specific action that causes it to 'safe mode'. It does it when it wants. I have the entire system on a UPS, on a brand new power strip, that is completely functional. I was thinking it could have been a voltage problem, via power spikes or drops. Nope!

K.I.S.S. The most simple and obvious solutions are 1.) buy a different monitor and quit being a cheap ass, 2.) 'make' a driver via re-writing a 32 bit version

Boozad said:

xsynfulx said:

" ... so let's skip the obvious "did you turn the computer on" questions? I'm very sure I have pinpointed the issue, being that the hardware wasn't designed to work with a 64 bit system.

Click to expand...

The monitor is old, there have been no drivers released for ten years and none of them were compatible with any OS past XP. Buy a new one.

Click to expand...

Not true. I've still have some old CRT monitors that still work on both 7 & 8, 64-bit. As I stated, Windows will install native drivers. Where the issue comes in is if the monitor uses special software/hardware that requires a specific driver. My NEC for example has it's own on-board LUT table for color management, and for that, it requires a specific driver. Outside of that, the Windows driver works just fine.

That said. If the OP's monitor is erroring out like it is, it was probably broken when they got it. Thus the "really good deal".

sygnus21 said:

Even though they may not be any "64-bit" drivers from Samsung, Windows will install default drivers which should work.

Click to expand...

"should" being the operative word. I wouldn't be posting a question about a problem if it did what it was supposed to.

sygnus21 said:

With that, I say try running the monitor at a resolution of 1280 x 1024, 60 Hertz. This is according to the user's manual downloaded here: Support - LCD 710N | Samsung Monitors. Page 48.

Click to expand...

That was the very first place I looked, and why I set the resolution to 1280x1024 @60 Hertz. I'm telling you that it doesn't matter! Sorry for my vented frustration, but it's a stupid problem that "should" be as simple as a generic pnp driver.

sygnus21 said:

Boozad said:

xsynfulx said:

" ... so let's skip the obvious "did you turn the computer on" questions? I'm very sure I have pinpointed the issue, being that the hardware wasn't designed to work with a 64 bit system.

Click to expand...

The monitor is old, there have been no drivers released for ten years and none of them were compatible with any OS past XP. Buy a new one.

Click to expand...

Not true. I've still have some CRT monitors that still work on both 7 & 8, 64-bit.

That said. If the OP's monitor is erroring out like it is, it was probably broken when they got it. Thus the "really good deal".

Click to expand...

It is true mate, I was only stating that no drivers have been released for ten years, not that it wouldn't work with Windows 7 when left for the OS to install it's generic PnP driver, it should. I was emphasising more to the point of it being old and probably knackered.

This monitor was picked up at a garage sale about 3 weeks ago and I highly doubt I am entitled a refund. That said, I don't have the slightest issues when it is attached to various 32 bit machines, as the driver is automatically found and installed on older operating systems.

Initially, I had it hooked up to a KVM to switch between a 32 bit HP, but I know as soon as people in the forum read it, they'll start suggesting "oh, it's the KVM! Remove it and 'viola!' problem solved!!"... It's not the KVM, and the monitor isn't faulty by default, if it was connected to a 32 bit machine.

Yes, it's a 10 year old monitor.
Yes, I'm a cheap *******.
No, the monitor isn't faulty. It was designed for a 32 bit system, not a 64 bit system.
No, the cables are not faulty.
Yes, the drivers are completely up to date on my machine(s).
Yes, it technically works some/ most of the time, but that doesn't resolve the issue of the monitor going into safe mode whenever it wants. Occasionally it will switch itself into 1024x768, also, without rhyme or reason.

Back to the original question. Does anyone know enough about driver scripting to re-write a 32 bit monitor driver for use in a 64 bit system?

64 bit or 32 bit drivers for that monitor are irrelevant. It will be supported by Windows 7 Generic Plug and Play monitor driver. Make sure you have the refresh rate set to 60 hz and as you have struggled who knows what is going on in the driver department so I would uninstall any or all of them. Delete the monitor from device manager and reboot and let Windows 7 install the driver itself. Then you should be able to set it to the required resolution, I have a Philips 190S which last had drivers for 98/ME/XP and it works flawlessly under Windows 7 32 bit and 64 bit. I think you are trying to hard. You need to step back and collect your thoughts. From the manual for this model:

If the display exceeds SXGA or 75Hz, a Not Optimum Mode.
Recommended mode 1280 x 1024 60Hz message is displayed. If the display exceeds 85Hz, the display will
work properly but the "Not Optimum Mode. Recommended mode 1280x 1024 60Hz message appears
for one minute and then disappears. Please change to the recommended mode during this one-minute period.
(The message is displayed again if the system is rebooted.)

Again, and not to belabor the point, I highly doubt it's a driver issue, but rather hardware (the monitor).

As to you question, for me, no.

Good luck.

*sigh*

Indianatone said:

64 bit or 32 bit drivers for that monitor are irrelevant. It will be supported by Windows 7 Generic Plug and Play monitor driver.

Click to expand...

I'm telling you that it is and it isn't. Yes, it will display, MOST of the time. The times that it isn't, is when it's going into safe mode, or switching to 1024x768 (on reboot).

Indianatone said:

Make sure you have the refresh rate set to 60 hz and as you have struggled who knows what is going on in the driver department so I would uninstall any or all of them. Delete the monitor from device manager and reboot and let Windows 7 install the driver itself.

Click to expand...

I have followed these steps exactly before ever posting into this forum. I am not a noob.

The monitor has worked via the KVM when switching to the 32 bit machine (Win 7 & XP, Dual Boot, HP Pavillion a1330n, AMD 64 @ 2.13ghtz, 2gb ram) It's NOT the monitor. It's the driver.

I appreciate all the input and help from anyone offering to give it. Logic says exactly what has been suggested. "Try troubleshooting the cords and cables?", "Try deleting the windows driver and starting from scratch.", "Try the refresh rate/ resolution."

Yeah, yeah, yeah, did the normal steps to troubleshoot a driver that wasn't meant for hardware compatibility. I tried running compatibility mode. I tried putting in a different video card. I tried bios updates. I tried different cables. I went as far as trying monitor drivers that are for 64 bit monitors.

How do I explain it any other way? Yes, it's a 32 bit monitor driver that I'm trying to get working on a 64 bit machine. I need a 64 bit driver for old hardware.

I don't want to be rude but xsy keep in mind everyone on this forum donates their time to helping people like you. Getting an attitude and not taking suggestions will get you no where..

Just my two cents.

Gator said:

I don't want to be rude but xsy keep in mind everyone on this forum donates their time to helping people like you. Getting an attitude and not taking suggestions will get you no where..

Just my two cents.

Click to expand...

Agreed, and again, I apologize for venting my frustrations. I have followed all the usual steps in troubleshooting a problem like this, and in an attempt to save everyone time in posting solutions I've already tried, I'm asking for the direct answer to the problem I've already identified before posting into this forum.

Again, I'm asking for someone who knows anything about re-writing (or writing from scratch) a 64 bit driver for a monitor that only has 32 bit drivers available, not troubleshooting steps to a problem I've already identified.

The generic pnp driver is not completely compatible for this monitor as it is 10 years old, and the 32 bit driver will not install.

I appreciate the help. I've done the troubleshooting. I've identified the problem. Now I'm waiting for the solution.

xsynfulx said:

Gator said:

I don't want to be rude but xsy keep in mind everyone on this forum donates their time to helping people like you. Getting an attitude and not taking suggestions will get you no where..

Just my two cents.

Click to expand...

Agreed, and again, I apologize for venting my frustrations. I have followed all the usual steps in troubleshooting a problem like this, and in an attempt to save everyone time in posting solutions I've already tried, I'm asking for the direct answer to the problem I've already identified before posting into this forum.

Again, I'm asking for someone who knows anything about re-writing (or writing from scratch) a 64 bit driver for a monitor that only has 32 bit drivers available, not troubleshooting steps to a problem I've already identified.

The generic pnp driver is not completely compatible for this monitor as it is 10 years old, and the 32 bit driver will not install.

I appreciate the help. I've done the troubleshooting. I've identified the problem. Now I'm waiting for the solution.

Click to expand...

Unless you get lucky, that is way beyond the scope of this forum. We troubleshoot windows, I'm not even sure where you would need to look to find a place that rewrites drivers.

I have never known an LCD monitor NOT supported by the "Generic" driver. LCD Monitors are pretty specific and display modes are set by the LCD display panel. (Never mind about CRT's which have many modes and refresh rates). If it won't set to 1280 x 1024 @ 60Hz with the PNP driver then the monitor is faulty. The driver in Windows 7/8/Vista is driving that LCD panel and thousands of others of the same type. That is why there is no driver for it in Vista or 7 etc. When XP was released LCD were cutting edge devices so Windows did not have a built in driver. Worst case you could try a reinstall of Windows.

xsynfulx said:

The generic pnp driver is not completely compatible for this monitor as it is 10 years old, and the 32 bit driver will not install.

Click to expand...

Not trying to be rude either, but you're not getting it. It's been stated by a few, and a few times, the issue may not a driver issue, it may be the monitor as the windows plug & play drivers should work for your monitor. I'm sorry if you find that answer unacceptable but it is what it is.

Also, just because those drivers won't install, doesn't mean Window's Plug & Play drivers won't work. They clearly working or else you wouldn't get video. And the fact that the monitor runs in it's native resolution of 1280 x 1024 says it's working. The issue is it keeps erroring out, which could also indicate the monitor itself is defective.

That said, try this to see if the drivers will install....

Unzip the contents of the driver package…

• Go to device manager and right click on your monitor…
• Click Update Driver Software
• Choose browse my computer and locate the folder where you extracted the files
• Click next and those drivers should install. You’ll know if the device manager lists your monitor.

Speaking of device manager… have you checked it to see ifyour monitor is actually listed there already? If so, the drivers are installed.

You’ve also not answered the question as to updating yourvideo card drivers???

We are trying to help but you keep dismissing what were telling you.