Detecting external monitor problems

[MacAddictXIV]

Hey guys, I've just managed to get myself a Macbook this last summer and I'm a gamer, so I told myself that I would get myself a monitor. Being a cheapskate that I am, I got myself a cheap, but somewhat nice one. Anyway, I've been having problems as of recently with my laptop not being able to detect my monitor when I plug it in. The detect displays in the prefs doesn't work and the only way I have been able to get it to detect is to restart my laptop. Anything would be helpful!

Specs: 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo running OSX 10.4.8
Monitor: Hanns G 1440 x 900 DVI widescreen
Connectors: DVI cord to a mini-DVI converter

 

[stevep]

I've got the same monitor which I use with my MBP. Have you ticked the option in the Display Preferences to show the displays in the menu bar? It probably won't help, but it's quicker to get to.
If its any consolation, my MBP display sometimes dies on me when I've got the second display running, and thats only solved with a restart.

 

[Mr Skills]

I've had similar issues (in this case with a desktop machine) using a cable that was a bit crappy or too long. The combination of cheap monitor and cheap cable seemed too much for it! It was not getting the data it needed to auto-detect resolutions etc. When I shoved a more expensive monitor cable on there, it was fine.

 

[MacAddictXIV]

Hmmm, yeah might be the cord, cause it works fine sometimes. but ever once and a while it just won't work, no matter how many times I unplug/plug it back in. A major annoyance, but thanks for the help