External Monitor Problem

[andykrej]

I'm having a strange problem with the VGA port on my T60. Windows detects the correct monitor model and resolution, but the monitor is blank and only shows "no video". I've tried this with two different monitors (both LCD's). I've tried switching display (fn+f7) in the bios with the same result: display switches, but no video signal is coming out of the port. 100% it's not a software problem.

I have three theories as to what the cause is:

1 The ATI X1400 is broken. Solution: new mainboard
2 VGA port is dirty/corroded. Solution: clean it
3 Capacitor or fuse is blown. Solution: change it

Which of the three do you think is the propable one? Or is it something else?

[Harryc]

What happens if you boot up a PC-Doctor for DOS disc and run the VGA and/or monitor interactive test?

[andykrej]

Tried that with a working CRT. Set dual display with fn+f7. Still no picture. Monitor is in standby all the time, but the power-led starts flashing in mode 15 and 16 in the interactive monitor test. Strange...

Also tried installing Catalyst Control Center, PC-Doctor for windows, Thinkpad Configuration. No luck at all....

I will now try updating BIOS, installing Lenovos video drivers for Vista (I'm running win7). I hope it's some kind of power saving feature that has to be switched on somewhere, but I think my chances are low.

Please, any ideas?

[andykrej]

Did EVERYTHING!!! Still doesn't work

Meantime I found these threads by others with similar problems on T60's or dell with the X1400.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=97110
http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardwar ... ignal.html
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/1 ... 74228.aspx
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Ta ... /m-p/42731

I guess I'm out of luck on this one. Gonna try connecting through a dock a soon as I can get my hands on one.

[GomJabbar]

What happens if you connect the display and do a reboot? Do you see anything on the display during the boot process?

Also check your BIOS settings under Config > Display.

[andykrej]

Nope, nothing... And I've tried all the settings too.
But thanks for writing. Gonna try it with a dock tomorrow. If that also fails, it think it must be a defect in the gpu.

[GomJabbar]

It does look like your VGA port is bad. It is possible that the dock might work I guess.

You did use different cables with the two different monitors you tested didn't you? If you have only tested with one cable, that cable could be defective. Not very likely that two cables would be defective though.

There might be a fuse to replace on the motherboard, but I would not have any idea where it would be located. There might even be a connector you could try to reconnect on the motherboard - not sure.

[andykrej]

Thanks for replying, GomJabbar.
I've tried different cables. And they work well on my other computer. Borrowed a dock today, but the result was disappointing: no signal. On one of the monitors, the led alternates between orange and green... That means something is coming out of the vga port, but it's not enough.

I've thought about checking the fuses, but this is a used T60 I bought on the net some days ago, so I'll just return it. I'm tired of fiddling with the hardware instead of being productive.