Can't get monitor to display same resolution between 2 workspaces

[FuryoftheStars]

Hi all,

My apologies, this is a cross post, but I am not getting anything for help really at the other post source. I'm hoping I can churn up a few more helpful eyes and brains here....

Original thread: Can't get monitor to display same resolution between 2 workspaces - Microsoft Community

Copy/paste of text in OP (posted Nov 21, 2012): Ok, so here's my setup:

HP EliteBook 6930p with ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics card. Win 7 Pro 32 bit installed.

I have 2 workspaces, both with docking stations.
Workspace 1 (primary work site) had 24" wide (primary monitor) and 19" wide monitors. Resolutions that Windows let me set were 1920x1080 and 1440x900, respectively. These monitors were also hooked to the docking station via DVI and VGA cables, respectively.

Workspace 2 had a 19" standard monitor (1280x1024, VGA, set as primary) and then I would open the laptop beside it for the dual monitor (1280x800).

Today I have pulled the 19" wide from workspace 1 to replace the 19" standard at workspace 2. Windows, however, will only let me set the resolution to 1280x720 (still using VGA). Even taking off the "hide modes" option or going into the ATI Catalyst Control center to try and force it does not work. I've also tried switching between which one is primary or even making it single monitor display (on the 19" wide). 1440x900 is simply not available.

What in the heck is going on???



EDIT: Including info/troubleshooting discussed in the thread to date (2/20/13)

• Updated drivers for both the Video Card and the monitor
• Monitor is an Acer AL1916W
• Looked for a setting under Power Options to "Optimize Video Quality"
• Replaced VGA cable and docking station
• Tried running single monitor with laptop closed
  

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Just bumping it to get it back on the first page. Noticed it was moved and not sure if it even had any face time on page 1 first.

 

[bulletng]

Sorry I don't have any experience with docking stations but anyone is better than no one?

Let me get this straight...
Workplace 1:

• HP EliteBook 6930p
• 24"
• 19"

Workplace 2:

• HP EliteBook 6930p
• 19"

From what I can understand you can't get the monitor to display the same resolution when using it on workspace 1 as it does on workspace 2?

 

[FuryoftheStars]

What I could get at Workplace 1 I cannot get to display at workplace 2... even though it is physically the same monitor moved from wp1 to wp2 and using the same hookup method.

And the laptop is the same laptop... I move it from wp1 to wp2 with me.

 

[bulletng]

So the only thing that is changing in this situation is the docking station?

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Pretty much. And as I mentioned in the edit, I did replace the docking station and VGA cable.

 

[FuryoftheStars]

And just so you know, I've updated the "My System Specs" listing. Used the tool this site had available for download and then edited/filled in the blanks.

And forgive the "wise cracks"....

 

[FuryoftheStars]

bump...

 

[FuryoftheStars]

...

 

[Mark Phelps]

Had similar problems with an HP ultrabook using a 23" wide monitor and a docking station. When I had the laptop open, it limited me severely as to what resolution I could set on the monitor. When I had the laptop closed, it let me use the full resolution of the monitor. IF I then OPENED the laptop, the monitor resolution would drop to that of the laptop.

Sorry it's not a solution, but it may be why you can't get the settings you want with the laptop open.

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Thanks for the suggestion. Just had a chance to try it today. Didn't help. Still limited to a max of 1280 x 720.

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Bump

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Ok, so I don't know what has changed... I haven't done any updates to anything... but today it is working. Not without playing with some settings, though.

I have to go into the ATI Catalyst Control Center and take off the "Use Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) or driver defaults", then manually set 1440x900 @ 60 Hz.

Problem is, I tried this before already... and 1440x900 was not available in the list to select. So no clue what has happened.

Course, 20 bucks says it breaks next time I'm down here....

 

[FuryoftheStars]

Yup, knew it was too good to be true. Broke again. 1440x900 is not available again, however, I can get it to let me set it a little higher than 1280x720... I can get to 1280x768. Not a lot, but it's something....