Level 1

0 points

MBP not detecting external display

I encountered a strange problem today when I tried re-connecting my external monitor: it is not being detected by OS X.

I tried everything I could think of; I selected "detect displays" in preferences, I restarted the computer, I dis- and re-connected everything, I reset the PRAM, I tried connecting to a different monitor, and nothing seems to work. When I disconnect and reconnect the DVI cable, the laptop's screen flashes blue like it normally does, but nothing appears on the external monitor's screen. For the record I'm using the Dell 2209WA, and I haven't had any problems like this yet.

If anybody has any other suggestions as to what I should try doing, please let me know. Thanks!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Nov 2, 2009 10:26 AM

Top-ranking reply

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Posted on Nov 12, 2009 9:01 PM

It could be a corrupt preference file. Try the following; in /Library/Preferences find the file com.apple.windowserver.plist and throw it in the trash or drag it to the Desktop. Find also in /Users/yourusername/Library/Preferences/ByHost the file com.apple.windowserver.xxxxxxxx.plist where xxxxxxx is a string of letters and numbers and yourusername is the name on the main user account and throw that in the trash, too (or drag it to the Desktop). Then restart and see if function returns to the monitor.

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31 replies

Ashler

Level 2

230 points

Nov 12, 2009 12:49 PM in response to BSteely

I am pretty certain it is not my cable as the the monitor works on every one of the other computers I have plugged it into. AND the DVI port on the MBP sends video to every monitor I plug into it... the only place there is failure is the specific pair of that 23 inch monitor on that MBP....

msemerau

Level 1

0 points

Dec 10, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Niddy

Same problem here.

This issue started after the 10.5.8 update for me on my 30" Apple HD screen (dual-dvi) and my 17" Macbook Pro 2.16ghz (2006). I have three other monitors which all used to work and now do not.

I updated to 10.6.2 in hopes it would resolve itself, but it has not.

My Dell monitor seems to detect a connection (when attached) because it brings it out of power saving mode, but no image. It's the MacBook that doesn't recognize a monitor is attached.

It's not clear to me if this is a software issue or hardware failure.

Dec 14, 2009 3:57 AM in response to peterwillem

Here I would like to ask all the readers of this topic to report if they have/had the following :

Their MAC computer (macbook or desktop) can connect and detect to an external monitor via DVI connection.
And if so, what type of DVI (I ,D ,A ) has their computer and monitor. And what cables are they using (dvi-i or d or a single/dual link).

Maybe there is a specific way of polling, but I can not find it in this forum.

peterwillem

Dec 19, 2009 3:07 PM in response to peterwillem

Hey
I have an early 2006 MBP 17" and have lost the external display as well since upgrading to snow leapord, regular ol leapord worked fine, still didn't have dvi-hdmi connection, but dvi-vga worked. Have hp w2338h, can connect either VGA or HDMi. First tried dvi-hdmi single link, no luck; and just bought dvi-hdmi dual link and neither work. Both cables work on my G5 just fine, so can't be the cable. I used to be able to connect my MBP via dvi-vga and get 1920x1080, but now, the max resolution I get is 1600x1200, that's in extended mode, can't go any higher. Not hijacking the thread, but any thoughts? If anything, there's lots of folks with this issue.

Jan 15, 2010 4:08 AM in response to Niddy

I have the same problem with my MacBook Pro and 24" Cinema Display. I woke up this morning and the computer simply would not recognize the display was attached. The USB and keyboard attached to the display did work, however. I think it's either the Mini-DVI plug is failing or it's a software failure. I don't have any other monitors to test this out on. The whole set up is only a year old and is supposedly still covered by the apple protection plan. I'll give them a call and see what they say. If anyone has any advice on fixing this, send it along!

Gaston55

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2010 12:33 AM in response to Ashler

Hi, i just got a new Dell 2209 WAf monitor and have the same problem.
My MBP is from 2006 and works great but since i got SL problems shows up.
Has anyone found a solution for this problem?
APPLE!!! WAKE UP AND SOLVE THIS!
I work as a semi pro photographer and need my monitor to editing. NOW!
gaston

Feb 22, 2010 8:16 AM in response to Niddy

Still no answer here?? I've gone so far as rebuilding/upgrading an old Mac Mini Core Solo just so I can use my external display. I'm not happy about it, but with my lifestyle, I need my laptop just as much as I need my desktop. My Macbook Pro gave me the best of both worlds until this issue.

Is it a Logic Board problem?

Mar 2, 2010 5:39 AM in response to Mac_Metal

Just wanted to add my voice to this protest! Brand-new MacBook Pro. Tried to hook it to an Iiyama ProLite E485S. Works fine via the VGA connector - not a sausage with the DVI one. Doesn't detect that the monitor is even there.

fsuttile

Level 1

0 points

Mar 3, 2010 11:29 PM in response to Niddy

Yeah I had noticed this issue when I attempted to connect my Viewsonic 22" display to my 2007 Intel Core 2 Duo Mac Book Pro (model A1211). Same as reported by other users, VGA works, DVI does not. Monitor is working fine on my Mac Mini and my wife's PC. I am a Pro Photographer, and need to dual screen in Aperture. PLEASE fix this obvious bug sooner rather than later, as I do not want to have to find another solution for this. I love the Mac OS and Aperture, but can not live with this issue.

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Mar 4, 2010 4:40 AM in response to DickKennedy

DickKennedy wrote:
Just wanted to add my voice to this protest! Brand-new MacBook Pro. Tried to hook it to an Iiyama ProLite E485S. Works fine via the VGA connector - not a sausage with the DVI one. Doesn't detect that the monitor is even there.

Which brand of DVI converter were you using?

Nov 12, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Niddy

I just did yesterdays software update and my MBP 15" no longer recognizes my external Dell monitor... Any fixes ?

Ashler

Level 2

230 points

Nov 18, 2009 9:08 PM in response to christopherx

I think I have tried every combination/permutation of these... still no luck.

Nov 29, 2009 2:23 AM in response to Ashler

I am having the same problem in connecting my MBP (10.5.8) to Panasonic LCD TV (L37G10). Did anyone get any direct help/solution from Apple?

Nov 29, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Niddy

I ma also getting same problem. yesterday, i connect Hanns.g 19" monitor and the display is so bad... cannot say? Anyone plz help me......? I need the solution. thanks

Ashler

Level 2

230 points

Dec 4, 2009 9:33 AM in response to Apple dual display

Still nothing.... I guess my Apple MBP isn't compatible with my Apple Cinema display \[anymore\].

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MBP not detecting external display