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    Bizarre monitor error - cannot connect to external display (Vaio VPCZ1)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Michael.K, Mar 23, 2011.

  1. Michael.K

    Michael.K Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm running Win7 Pro 64 with SP1, and within the past few days I have become unable to connect to my monitor via HDMI, and I don't know why. Oddly enough, under my Display settings in the control panel, my first monitor listed is always "1. Display device on: VGA," despite the fact that no VGA cable or monitor is plugged in. I'm wondering if these are related. Screenshot below:

    [​IMG]

    Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might be able to do to fix this?
     
    Michael.K, Mar 23, 2011
    #1
  2. MrButterBiscuits

    MrButterBiscuits ~Veritas Y Aequitas~

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    K check under you graphic card settings, it is possible some settings got changed. which are now stopping you from connecting Via HDMI
     
    MrButterBiscuits, Mar 23, 2011
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  3. 5ushiMonster

    5ushiMonster Notebook Deity

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    Can I ask whether the monitor issue started AFTER you installed SP1?

    I'm guessing SP1 didn't come with your machine from new considering the VPC-Z were taken down from most retailers by the time SP1 went live (unless you bought your machine recently from Microsoft and their discount huge sales).

    Anyways, back on the subject. First off, press DETECT to refresh the list.
    If that don't work. Ok; a reboot can solve such issues. So that's a reboot as in RESTART. Not 'hibernation' and then pressing the power button again, as some people surprisingly think...

    If the fails to fix the issue... Are you running the Z on a docking station by any chance? And that's disconnected off your displays? If you do have a dock, have you tried running the Z OFF the dock?

    I doubt it's the driver causing issues. But if everything above don't work, reinstalling the GPU driver would be your last-resort. Though should that ultimately fail, you might (just might) have a broken pin in the VGA port. Happened to me once but it wasn't a crucial comms pin; me display and machine worked without a hitch.
     
    5ushiMonster, Mar 23, 2011
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  4. Achusaysblessyou

    Achusaysblessyou eecs geek ftw :D

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    Are you on Speed mode? You cant use HDMI with the integrated graphics. Also have you recently updated graphics drivers?
     
    Achusaysblessyou, Mar 23, 2011
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  5. Ashers

    Ashers Notebook Evangelist

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    Using the VPCZ1 with the dock, I get this from time to time. When I connect the notebook to the dock, the external monitor (connected through DVI) sometimes doesn't work and is shown as VGA, exactly like your screenshot. Reseating it in the dock (i.e. reconnecting it) sometimes works. Otherwise, I just have to reboot - then it's fine.
     
    Ashers, Mar 23, 2011
    #5