Trouble Connecting Monitor Via VGA

[babysheegoth]

There a way to trouble shoot monitor not connecting via VGA?

On a more modern thinkpad, I was able to connect the same monitor via a DVI to HDMI adapter cable.

On T61 with docking station when I connect via VGA, I get a "no video" message on monitor now?

[dr_st]

Did you try pressing Fn+F7 on the laptop to cycle video outputs?

[babysheegoth]

Did you try pressing Fn+F7 on the laptop to cycle video outputs?

What do you mean, how you go about doing that?

[axur-delmeria]

What do you mean, how you go about doing that?

Look at the your Thinkpad's keyboard.
On the lower left corner, there's a key labelled "Fn"
Press that button and hold it until you press the "F7" key on the topmost row of the keyboard.
Release both keys.

On many Thinkpads, the Fn+F7 key combo is for "switch video output". But it requires some Thinkpad-specific software in order to work. Alternatively, you can use "Windows key+P" key combo if you have Windows 7 or newer installed.

[Gonzaleitor]

I would check the cable is ok too.

[babysheegoth]

What do you mean, how you go about doing that?

Look at the your Thinkpad's keyboard.
On the lower left corner, there's a key labelled "Fn"
Press that button and hold it until you press the "F7" key on the topmost row of the keyboard.
Release both keys.

On many Thinkpads, the Fn+F7 key combo is for "switch video output". But it requires some Thinkpad-specific software in order to work. Alternatively, you can use "Windows key+P" key combo if you have Windows 7 or newer installed.

nothing happened with the fn +f7. the windows + p opened the project options for me.

[axur-delmeria]

nothing happened with the fn +f7.

That means the Hotkey Software isn't installed.

nothing happened with the fn +f7. the windows + p opened the project options for me.

That's the expected result. If Windows detects an external monitor, it will give you the option to mirror the displays (have the same output on the laptop's screen and the external monitor), extend (span the display area across the two screens), and external only (turn off the laptop screen and use only the external monitor).

For troubleshooting purposes, it's best to try "Mirror".

One more thing: did you install the correct graphics driver?

[babysheegoth]

nothing happened with the fn +f7.

That means the Hotkey Software isn't installed.

nothing happened with the fn +f7. the windows + p opened the project options for me.

That's the expected result. If Windows detects an external monitor, it will give you the option to mirror the displays (have the same output on the laptop's screen and the external monitor), extend (span the display area across the two screens), and external only (turn off the laptop screen and use only the external monitor).

For troubleshooting purposes, it's best to try "Mirror".

One more thing: did you install the correct graphics driver?

It detects the monitor. When I open settings and go to display it shows I have 3 displays. The one in question with VGA connection still doesn't work.

When i go to Advanced display settings, it says Display 3 isn't active.

What's "mirror"?

[dr_st]

Wait, you have 3 displays? Which ones?

The T61 can only support two simultaneous video outputs. The third one may be detected but won't show an image.

[babysheegoth]

Wait, you have 3 displays? Which ones?

The T61 can only support two simultaneous video outputs. The third one may be detected but won't show an image.

Oh really?

I thought I read on a reddit it could support 3 with docking station.

Lol

Ill check around unless this is confirmed?

Edit: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-T ... d-p/104347

Is there a way if when I dock the laptop it can switch to using both external monitors rather than the t61s screen itself?

[dr_st]

Is there a way if when I dock the laptop it can switch to using both external monitors rather than the t61s screen itself?

Yes, you can. In the display the settings, choose 'disconnect' the internal laptop screen, and then you should be able to use the other two via the dock.

[babysheegoth]

Is there a way if when I dock the laptop it can switch to using both external monitors rather than the t61s screen itself?

Yes, you can. In the display the settings, choose 'disconnect' the internal laptop screen, and then you should be able to use the other two via the dock.

where can you do that? i don't see that option in display.

I have windows 10

[dr_st]

Advanced display settings.
https://pureinfotech.com/disconnect-mon ... indows-10/

Looks like in new versions they may have changed this feature to be called "Remove display from desktop".
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-r ... in-windows

[babysheegoth]

Advanced display settings.
https://pureinfotech.com/disconnect-mon ... indows-10/

Looks like in new versions they may have changed this feature to be called "Remove display from desktop".
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-r ... in-windows

Which link tells specificially how to setup so when t61 is docked, it will extend two the two external monitors and not use its own display7?

2nd link doesn't align with what I see on various pages in Windows 10.