Laptop cannot recognize my VGA-connected PnP monitor

Question

I originally had my laptop plugged into a docking station, and then the docking station connected to a monitor; I don't recall whether it was connected via VGA or DVI. I've since moved and no longer have either the monitor or the docking station. I just bought a new monitor, and I can't seem to get it to work.

The monitor is a PnP device. It's connected to my laptop via the VGA port. There are no problems with the connector. The monitor does work fine with two other laptops, but not this one.

Again, the problem is very basic; the laptop does not see that the monitor is there. The monitor displays 'No Signal' and sleeps; it does know that it's connected to something, though. According to Device Manager, my display adapter is 'Standard VGA Graphics Adapter' and I have one monitor, which is the one built into the laptop, and it's just identified as 'Generic PnP Monitor.' The external monitor isn't listed.

Going into the Resolution dialog, I only have one display listed, 'Generic PnP Monitor on Standard VGA Graphics Adapter.'

I've tried combinations of Fn+F8 and restarting, but nothing seems to work. I've also tried updating drivers from Device Manager, but it says they're up to date.

Any ideas?

Solution

I had to re-read your question before spotting what we all seemed to have missed the first time. Your video card is showing up as "Standard", meaning Windows is not using the actual driver for the card; just its generic default driver.

If you know how, head to your manufacturer's website and download the driver for the video card and install it. If you don't know how, reply with the make and model and I can track that info down for you.

Once the proper driver is in place, Windows will be able to use the advanced functions like dual screen. However, if Fn+F8 doesn't swap screen settings, you may need to return to the manufacturer's site and grab a utility program to also enable your special function keys. These are usually in the driver download section as well.

Hope this finally solves it for you,

Chris