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    Unable to enable external monitor as Primary

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by LumpyHead, Jan 17, 2008.

  1. LumpyHead

    LumpyHead Newbie

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    Here's my setup:
    Sony SZ460n, purchased new 7/2007.
    Windows Vista Business
    Sony docking station
    Dell 2407WFP-HC Ultrasharp 24-Inch Widescreen Flat Panel LCD Monitor, connected via the DVI port on the docking station

    Here's the mystery: when docked and plugged in via the DVI port on the docking station, I can run the 24" external monitor at 1920x1200 native resolution with no problem. Looks great, fast response, etc. In order to get the 1920x1200, I must use the external monitor by itself. If I try to mirror it with the laptop monitor, it only goes to 1920x1080. No problem: the external 24" monitor provides tons of space.

    However, whenever Windows Update installs a new update, it disables my ability to use my external monitor as the primary (only) monitor. I must use System Restore to restore my computer to an earlier checkpoint, which will then allow me to use the external monitor by itself.

    The first time this happened was, oh, August '07, a month after I bought the laptop. I called Sony. The tech had me extend my desktop and jump through a bunch of other hoops, to no avail. Finally, she had me do the system restore, which solved the problem...

    ...temporarily! I must restore my computer to an earlier checkpoint every few weeks. I'm getting tired of this.

    Anyone else have a similar problem?
     
    LumpyHead, Jan 17, 2008
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  2. LumpyHead

    LumpyHead Newbie

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    Well, I have fixed the issue for the first time without rolling back to an earlier restore point. I went to Sony and downloaded a new nVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 Graphics Controller Driver Update. Found it here.

    We'll see if the fix is permanent. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
     
    LumpyHead, Jan 17, 2008
    #2