Windows 7 Video crashes in dual mode when primary monitor is turned off

[Renz]

Very irritating problem. I have two monitors hooked up. The primary one has the better display so I also have my PS3 hooked up to it. I use to stream my sports package on the second monitor and then switch inputs on my primary monitor and play PS3. The system woud automatically sense the secondary display and assign it as the primary - moving the taskbar and icons onto it. That was great and exactly what I wanted.
I did some housecleaning and had to disconnect all connections. Here's the problem. Whenever I turn off or switch inputs on the primary display, both displays go blank. Both remain blank even when I turn the primary display on or switch it back to the CPU input. The primary is connected via HDMI and the secondary is DVI. I've tried everything else so you know I'm desperate if I'm on the forum. Let me know, thanks.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are experiencing an issue with your dual monitor setup where both displays go blank when you turn off or switch inputs on the primary display. This behavior is likely due to a configuration or detection issue between the displays. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to try and resolve this problem: 1. Check Cables and Connections: - Ensure that all cables are securely connected to both monitors and the computer. - Verify that the HDMI and DVI cables are not damaged or faulty. 2. Adjust Display Settings: - Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." - Make sure that both monitors are recognized and configured correctly. - Check the display mode (Extend or Duplicate) to ensure it meets your preferences. 3. Update Graphics Drivers: - Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause display issues. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's website. 4. Check Power Settings: - Make sure that the power settings are not causing the monitors to turn off or go into sleep mode unexpectedly. Adjust these settings in the Control Panel. 5. Reset Display Preferences: - Reset the display settings to default by pressing the Windows key + P and selecting the desired display mode. 6. Monitor Input Selection: - Check the input selection on both monitors to ensure they are set to the correct source (e.g., HDMI or DVI). 7. Monitor Firmware Update: - If available, check for firmware updates for your monitors that may address compatibility issues. 8. Try Different Ports: - Test using different HDMI and DVI ports on your graphics card to rule out a faulty port. 9. Reconfigure Monitor Order: - Swap the physical positions of the monitors and rearrange them in the display settings to see if the issue persists. 10. Hardware Check: - If possible, test the monitors on a different system to determine if the issue is with the monitors or the computer. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of both displays going blank when turning off or switching inputs on the primary monitor. If the problem persists, feel free to provide more details for further assistance.