Display toggle (<Fn> + <F5>) does not work on my TM 8204

I did fresh install MS Windows XP Pro SP2 on my brand new Acer TM 8204. So far soft part of the system works fine, but hard part not.

I use Acer ezDock with extern ViewSonic display through VGA interface, but I cannot switch display output to external monitor. Display toggle (<Fn> + <F5>) does not work on my TM 8204. <Fn> + <F6> works, <Fn> + <F7> works, but <Fn> + <F5> does not, output goes to the both displays.

Please, help.

 

Wait,,, did you say it shows display on both screens? Press Fn+F5 again once or twice you would get display on only external monitor.
Atindra

 

Thank you for the advice, but I did it already. I may press <Fn> + <F5> once, twice, trice, 333ce, nothing happens.:hardfind:

 

Here is another alternative. Go to desktop>right click> you'll see graphic options > output to > then choose the suitable option (in your case it would be " monitor" )
this is the way my acer works. And that is not TM8204 but I guess this should be same on all acers.
Atindra

 

I have my 8204 connected via DVI to a external monitor (no docking station), and I have the same "issue". As far as I know the 8204 has only the "Clone" option, i.e. we do not have the option to have the output only on the external monitor. The F6 works for me in order to have the 8204 LCD dimmed.

 

But it is extremely clear in TravelMate 8200 Series User's Guide (tm8200_en.pdf) page 29: “<Fn> + <F5> - Display toggle - Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.”

Display toggle have to work in any healthy TM 8204

 

I use an ezdock with an external Viewsonic LCD display attached by DVI. It was a PITA to set up, but now I have it working so that the external display takes over as soon as my computer starts to boot up. I can even log on using the external display. My 8204's lcd is off the entire time.

I don't remember the specifics, but try this. Get the latest bios and drivers from the website. Then, using the display properties, make the external display your primary, then completely disable your laptop's lcd. This will be your default setting whenever your external display is connected, but the picture will revert back to your laptop's display whenever the external monitor is not connected or you use the toggle hotkey. Also, I never connect or disconnect from the ezdock when the laptop is on (not even in sleep mode). Once you get this working, don't touch the display controls again. This will work, but be prepared to spend a long time setting it up and trying different settings.

Good Luck.

 

Thank you for the advice, I should try. I install already all last drivers and BIOS, but anyway I have other strange behaviors as:
- ViewSonic LCD monitor attached by DVI to the notebook works perfectly (but not <Fn> + <F5>). ViewSonic LCD monitor attached by DVI to the Acer ezDock shows flashing (twinkling) bad quality picture;
- ViewSonic LCD monitor attached by VGA to the notebook does not work at all (dark screen). ViewSonic LCD monitor attached by VGA to the Acer ezDock works perfectly (but not <Fn> + <F5>);

 

This steps works for me, this afternoon: (No need of F<X> anymore), ViewSonic 20.1" on the DVI port.

1 - Launch the Catalyst Control Center ( I have the latest one, Version 1.2.2243.38605)
2 - On the View button on the top (first on the left), select Standard View.
3 - On the Graphics Settings tab on the right side, select Displays Manager.
4 - On the left side , Desktop and Display Setup, select Wizard…, on the left side.
5 - On the Wizard select only the Digital Flat Panel.

That’s it, now the 8204 LCD is disabled by default, but only when the windows logon screen shows up, is the step when the ATI driver takes over.

 

Should it work with Omega drivers too?

 

I do not know.

 

Thank you! It is works with Omega drivers too.:ati:

 

That is good to know, because I am not a “gamer” person, the Omega driver does not appeal too much for me, but I will try one of these days.

 

I am not a ”gamer” at all, I am a SolidWorks user. But with original ATI 8.231 drivers it was not possible to do “Display toggle”, with Omega drivers I do “Display toggle” by Ctrl+Alt+F5 and each monitor keeps his optimal resolution.