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Question

Setting up a second display on windows 8.1

by Jan 6, 2014 8:56AM PST

I just got a new laptop for boxing day (HP Envy 17) and because it did not have a vga output, i also ordered an adapter. The adapter just came in and it does work...aslong as I have both the laptop screen and the monitor active. As soon as I try to run just the monitor (Acer X213W with a native resolution of 1680x1050) the message "input not supported" bounces around the screen.

Any reason as to why this is happening?

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Answer
I have to guess this is from DVI/HDMI to VGA
by Forum moderator Jan 6, 2014 9:19AM PST

Adapters do not work for that purpose. There are too many scammers that will sell you an adapter and never offer support.

Tell more.
Bob

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More information
by trx4evr Jan 6, 2014 9:40AM PST

yes it is an HDMI to VGA adapter. Just to test i plugged my sisters laptop (an eMachines e528, with windows 7) and it worked with the extended display, mirrored display, display only on the laptop, and display only on the monitor (which is what I am trying to do)

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Answer
Tell more about "just the monitor."
by Forum moderator Jan 6, 2014 9:46AM PST

Some machines do not support "clamshell mode". Also I can't tell if you are mirroring or extending the display.

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Hopefully this answers the question
by trx4evr Jan 7, 2014 4:08AM PST

What I am trying to achieve is displaying only on the monitor with the laptop display off (charms bar > devices > project > second screen only)
Also, as far as I know this laptop does support "clamshell mode" because I plugged it into out TV in the basement and was able to deactivate the laptop screen so it was only showing what was on the TV

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I wonder if you are running into the HDCP issue.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 7, 2014 4:13AM PST

Since VGA does not have HDCP it's possible you have stumbled upon an issue that was raised a long time ago. For example you can't play BD on VGA displays (I will not discuss the workaround for that as it violates the forum policy.)

But it sounds as if the laptop enforces the HDCP rules to a fault.

You'll have to probably find a dark room to interrogate the laptop maker. But that's my guess.
Bob

PS. There is a lot on the web about HDMI, HDCP and what that means.

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