Dual Display Issues, Mini Display Cable, Firewire, USB, Nothing Works

I am working on a project for my supervisor, the specifics of each machine are listed below to the best of my ability:
Machine 1:
iMac9,1 Intel Core 2 Duo
Version: 10.6.8
Build: 10K549
Machine 2:
iMac10,1 Intel Core 2 Duo
Version: 10.6.8
Build:10K549
I have a iLuv Mini DisplayPort Cable, a 9-Pin to 9-Pin Firewire Cable, a M/M USB Cable and an ethernet cable. What I have been trying to do is link these two computers together so that each can be used as a seperate processor but their screens can be shared. Before anyone tells me this is impossible, these two monitors have in the past been connected together so there was the ability to dual use the computer monitors. I do not remember if I actually had the processing power of both available. When I plug the minidisplay port cable from one computer to the other the screen on Machine 2 will blink black to blue and then go back to an independent screen. The displays tab on neither computer shows two displays and none of the command f2 or f3 prompts are causing either computer to respond. I have tried connecting them with firewire and USB and can only get disk transfer mode from the Firewire. I know these computers used to be able to support being connected to one another and now I have no idea what is going on. I don't personally remember having a minidisplay port cable in the beginning so its possible I am going about this all wrong. I have called Apple Support many times and they suggested an OSX reinstall. I found the reinstallation software for 10.6.3 for a macbook 13 inch and each computer recognized the disc but said that the operating system could not be installed. At this point I have done everything I can think of including running a hardware test through the diagnostic tool at startup and on both computers the test came up with no error codes. Please please help me get these computers working again for my boss!
-Alan

Both the 9,1 (Early 2009) and 10,1 (Late 2009) iMac's only support Target Disk Mode using FireWire.
see > Target Disk Mode vs. FireWire networking | Macworld
or > Apple Tips Using Target Disk Mode
Adding that if the Late 2009 is a 27" then it supports Mini DisplayPort input for use as a monitor from another Mini DisplayPort Mac.
see > iMac: How to use your iMac as a Target Display Mode display
An Ethernet cable can be used for Networking and File Sharing the two iMac's.
see > Mac Basics: File Sharing
Plus connecting two iMac's together with a USB cable, will do nothing except trip the USB port overloads or something worse.

Similar Messages

I am trying to connect a 24" cinema display with mini display port cable to a 24" imac with a displayport - is there a cable for this as these two connections are two different sizes

I am trying to connect a 24" cinema display with mini display port cable to a 24" imac with a displayport - is there a cable for this as these two connections are two different sizes

Hi Gilly,
I have no proof, but I think it will not work with an adapter, only Mini Display Port or Thunderbolt.

MacBook suddenly won't detect my display, Using Mini Display Port to VGA?

MacBook suddenly won't detect my display, Using Mini Display Port to VGA?

dohdoh1985, I have the exact same problem also! I recently bought a 42" RCA LCD TV. I connected my MacBook Pro to my TV using a Dynex Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter that I got from BestBuy. It worked great until I upgraded to Mac OS 10.6.4 and then it suddenly stopped working. Same TV, same settings, same cables, same adapter. Nothing changed since the last time it worked except that my OS was upgraded to 10.6.4, so i am assuming that is the culprit. The symptoms are EXACTLY the same as what dohdoh1985 described; when I plug in the TV, the laptop display flashes (3 times) as though it is detecting an external display and the picture on the TV briefly goes from blue to black for about 1 second then back to blue. The TV does not appear in the display menu / control panel and there is no sign that the MacBook detected it. I went through the usual troubleshooting steps (reset PRAM, checked connections, tv settings, etc) but nothing worked. Other HDMI sources (i.e. Blu-ray player) work fine on the TV using the same HDMI cable on the same port so there is nothing wrong with the cable, the TV or the TV's input settings.
Meanwhile, I can still connect my MacBook to my external ViewSonic monitor at work without any problems. It's just the TV that's not working.
I cancelled my cable subscription a while ago since I only watch shows online nowadays and this was my only way of watching TV shows, so I'm quite upset.
Apple, please help!

Problem with mac pro 2x2.93 GHZ Dual Core and Mini Display Port

Finally I see the button to create new post!
I would like to explain a problem I have with my mac pro 2x2.93 GHZ Dual Core Intel Xeon processors and the ATI Radeon HD 4870.
I have two 30 "Apple. After buying the new Mac Pro is one of the two monitors, only with the monitor all black, small horizontal lines.
This happens only to the monitor connected to the mini display port... So if you reverse it monitors the problem always moves on the board connected to the Mini Display Port.
Apple has already changed my video card and the adapter but the problem is still there.
Someone can tell me if it is the ATI Radeon HD 4870 that has problems to have two monitors 30 "? Or it could be that the mini display port that is hard to read the two monitors and when the background is black (RGB-255-255-255) makes these lines?
Through the Apple store I then bought a new card (EVGA GeForce GTX 285 "). Unfortunately, after three weeks of waiting is not yet arrived. Proof that I want to do before returning to telephone assistance is whether on a card that has two dual-link DVI ports normal all goes well.
Sorry for the repetition of messages, but my English is very bad. This is the first time I connect to this site support
Mario
Message was edited by: marioart

In any case, this system does not support two 30".
I honestly don't think the 4870 with that adapter can support two 30". Just using the adapter itself would not give me the normal resolutions on my 30, where as the DVI port did. Luckily for me the adapter worked fine on my 20".
Truly I don't know why Apple would sell a card and not say just what displays it can power.
So I worked around my problem fine but I chose to get the 285 also. My question to you though is, did Apple make you pay for it? Was it part of a deal with them because the Radeon didn't work? You might want to talk to them about that. That is one expensive card.

Mini Display to Mini Display cable

Hello. I have a 27inch mid 2010 iMac and I'm soon to buy the new 27inch 2012 iMac.
Is there a reason the apple store does not carry a mini displayport to mini displayport (male to male) cable to connect the older iMac as a 2nd monitor? Has Apple deemed this as not a good idea for a reason I can not understand yet?
Please help. Thank you.

Now Apple only sells Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cables, but not Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables, so Thunderbolt could be the reason. You can buy a third-party cable to connect both Macs > http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F2CD008
To use the Mid 2010 iMac as a monitor > http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11302

Connecting Cinema Display with mini display port to macbook pro with thunderbolt port

I am trying to connect a 27" cinema display (2010) that has a mini display port cable out of the back, into my macbook pro (2013) with thunderbolt ports. The mini display port cord fits into the thunderbolt port on the Macbook Pro, however the macbook pro does not detect the cinema display and the cinema display does not have any picture on the screen. The USB plugs in fine and sound comes out, and I have the adapter for the magsafe to magsafe 2 and that works fine, it just the actual display. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!

Hello mmholt,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like there’s no video on an Apple Cinema Display that’s connected to your MacBook Pro, and you’re wondering if the configuration is supported. It is supported, take a look at the article linked below for more information.
Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
1. Can I connect a Mini DisplayPort monitor or monitor using a Mini DisplayPort adapter to a Thunderbolt port on my Thunderbolt-equipped Mac?
Yes. A Mini DisplayPort display or a display connecting with a Mini DisplayPort to VGA, DVI, or HDMI adapter will work just like it was connecting to a Mini DisplayPort connector when plugging in directly to the Thunderbolt connector on your Apple computer. Click here for more information on Mini DisplayPort connections and adapters.
Also, this article provides a lot of great information and troubleshooting tips that will resolve most issues related to video external displays.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays - Apple Support
So long,
-Jason

Adding second display via mini display port

How do I add audio and video using mini display port and USB audio with HDMI connection at Home Theater Receiver from 2009 Mac-mini? DVI and optical audio outputs on Mac-mini used for primary display.

Assuming your receiver has a USB audio input, you would use an Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter and then a DVI to HDMI cable for the video and a USB cable for the audio. You would have to go into System Preferences/Sound and under the Output tab you would have to make a selection to direct which port to send audio out of.
As an alternative to the Apple adapter, there are also third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables that avoid any need for an adapter at all.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024603&pid=5995&seq=1&format=2

External display via Mini DisplayPort to DVI no longer works with MacBook.

I had not used my external monitor in the last several weeks. I believe there have been a few OSX Lion updates since the last time I used the external monitor. I had installed all the updates prior to connecting my external monitor again. However, a few days ago I tried to connect the external monitor and all I get is a "No Signal" message on my external monitor. The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI works on my LCD TV, so I know the MDP works. I have also replaced the MDP-to-DVI cord and the external display still doesn't work.
I connected the external monitor to another computer running Snow Leopard and the external monitor works. So, the external monitor does work.
I have seen a few posts aboout this, but nobody seems to have a solution that works or is directly on point to my issue. I have tried to use all the scenarios for plugging in the external monitor and external monitor power. I tried to reboot the laptop with and withoout the external monitor connected. Same thing with the exteernal monitor plugged in and no power, etc. Nothing works. I have tried to repeatedly turn the external monitor on and off while connected to the MacBook. Again, that doesn't work.
So, I am open to any help someone may have. Here is what I am running:
MacBook, Aluminum 13" Late 2008
OSX 10.7.3
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M

While we all have MacBooks in this forum most of us don’t run Lion. There's a Lion Support Community where everybody has Lion. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer. Lion seems to have problems with external monitors. https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/mac_os_x_v10.7_lion

Apple Cinema Display and mini display port

I have purchased (for a ridiculous price) an adapter to allow me to use my cinema display with my new macbook pro retina system. While it does work it doesn't seem to allow me to use anything but best for display which is only 1280x800 resolution which is far less than this monitor supports and looks terrible. In fact for making me spend $30 for a stupid adapter is is very disppointing.
So first question is can anyone tell me if there is some way to get this to actually work?
Second question along the same line, is that I also purchased an adapter for mini display to VGA for using with projector systems that I sometimes need to hook up to when I go onsite to customer facitilites and within about an hour of being attached to an Acer monitor my entire system seg faulted and crashed with a hard reset. Equivalent to the Windows blue screen of death. I've never had this happen before and wondering if this is a known problem?
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Glenn

Do you have your MacBook Pro in mirror mode or extended desktop mode (System Preferences > Displays)? If it's in mirror (the default) then the external display will be limited to the MBP's screen resolution. I use my miniDisplayPort -> DVI adapter all the time with my Sony Bravia TV and have no issues displaying 1920x1080 on the extended desktop.
Officially, the Retina MBP supports:
- 2880 by 1800 pixels (Retina mode)
- 1920 by 1200, 1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640 pixels (scaled mode)
In System Preferences > Displays make sure your display setting is Extended and then select the extended display panel and select 1680x1050. See if that helps. If that works, then try the 1920x1200 setting if your display supports it. BTW, the extended display panel only appears if you actually have the external display connected.
What make/model monitor are you using?
Never heard of a system crashing because it was connected to a projector. I also use the miniDisplayPort -> VGA adapter to project and have never had a problem.
Is there anything else going on with your MBP?

After 10.9 - no alt display via mini display

I have a 2013 Mac Book Pro connected to a TV with a mini display port to HDMI adapter.
the TV screen don't appear and if I press option (alt) key while choosing the option I can't see more screen to select.

Hello there, chevaux99.
The following Knowledge Base article provides some great recommendations for troubleshooting issues with external displays:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.

PLEASE HELP! A sad icon is displayed but no matter what I do nothing works!

So when I reset my iPod, the Apple logo comes up. After about 10 seconds the sad face icon comes up. I tried plugging it into the computer, re-installing all the softwares, and I've read through sooo many documents. But the same thing happens all the time! The Apple logo comes up and then the sad face icon appears even when it's connected to my computer. When I connect my iPod to the computer, it does not appear in My Computer.
Someone please help! I've tried everything. : (
iPod Mini 6GB Windows XP

Everything was working fine until a couple days ago when I was playing a song on my iPod. The song froze and te sad icon face popped up.
I don't know what to do. : (

Mini won't connect. NOTHING works.

Ok here's the scoop. I've tried everything to get my computer to acknowledge the existance of my iPod mini. Nothing works including:
reset.
restart.
restore/update not allowed because it can't read the mini.
reinstalling. both ipod and itunes software.
disk mode. can't get that to work on the ipod. press 'select' and 'play' and get a blank screen. then the 'charging' icon
disk utility. ipod does not show up here.
you name it, i've tried it. the firewire connection seems like it's ok, because the ipod charges when plugged into the computer or to the AC, but the computer refuses to read it. help.

I plugged in the USB cable and it works. However, why would the firewire cable not read on the desktop or anywhere else on the computer, yet still charge the Ipod? If it was defective, shouldn't it not work at all?

30'' Cinema Display with mini-display-port to dual link DVI adapter usb hub

Hi all, I don't know if any one of you experience this issue and can help me.
I am using an unibody macbook pro (late2008 model) to connect to a 30'' cinema display via the famous $100 mini diaplay port to dual link DVI adapter. I have connected the usb cable from the ACD to the adapter and the usb cable of the adapter to my macbook pro. This setting works fine under OSX 10.5.7.
When I am using Windows Vista under bootcamp the USB hub on the back of the ACD doesn't work. The device manager of Vista shows an excalmatory mark besides the device "Generic usb hub"; and it reports a problem of "the device cannot be started".
I doubted this problem is due to Windows cannot recognise the $100 adapter as a "generic usb hub"; and apple has not release a driver for this $100 adapter for windows.
Since my MBP only has 2 usb ports and the $100 adapter already occupied one, it would be very much helpful if the usb hub of the ACD can work just like in OSX. Can anyone think of any suggestion?
Much appreciated for reading this post and thank you.

i don't have an answer for you, but i feel your pain. very frustrating when this happens with Apple products and Vista/Bootcamp. wish they were more compatible, for it would make things so much easier for the consumer.

Dual Monitor Issue: 2nd Display too large...can't adjust...web pages provide no scroll bars

I have two (2) HP S2031 LCD flat screen monitors. They functioned perfectly with my old 32-bit machine (now gone). I have just purchased a new 64-bit Windows 7 machine. There are no error messages, but if I open a web page on the right (2nd) monitor, it does not display correctly. It's as if it is a little too large. I've tried adjusting the image using the Nividia software and using the monitor adjustments without improvement. It is difficult getting out of that window because no scroll bars (vertical or horizontal) present themselves. I am connecting through an iogear MiniView KVM switch to DVi-D sockets (with the four pins).
Is it a 64-bit driver issue? I think not, because display #1 looks fine. Could it be an iogear KVM firmware issue?
I dug out the HP driver disks that came with my monitors and installed them. After I did that, I realized these were a 32-bit installation. Now the monitor resolution won't go back to the higher, recommended level. I don't see the software installation on the "add/remove programs" listing. I'd like to change that.
BUT THE REAL ISSUE is that I need BOTH monitors to be able to display proper aspect independently. Remember, I've been through both the Nividia adjustments menu and the built-in monitor adjustments menu and found nothing that worked so far.
Please help if you can. This is for my trading business and I need it desperately.

When requesting assistance, please provide the brand and model name and/or product number of the computer in question. Without this information, it may be difficult or impossible to resolve your issue.
Have you swapped the two monitors to see if the problem follows the monitor or remains at the same location??? Try that first... if the problem follows the monitor, perform a hard reset by unpluging the monitor from power then holding the power button for 30 seconds. If the problem stays in the same location, you know both monitors are good and I would suspect the KVM isn't passing the "EDID" data to the computer. Removing the KVM should will tell you if this is the case.
Please post back with your troubleshooting results.
Please send KUDOs
Frank
{------------ Please click the "White Kudos" Thumbs Up to say THANKS for helping.
Please click the "Accept As Solution" on my post, if my assistance has solved your issue. ------------V
This is a user supported forum. I am a volunteer and I don't work for HP.
HP 15t-j100 (on loan from HP)
HP 13 Split x2 (on loan from HP)
HP Slate8 Pro (on loan from HP)
HP a1632x - Windows 7, 4GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6130y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6320y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240
HP p7-1026 - Windows 7, 6GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6787c - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240

Mbp 15 external display via mini display to hdmi flicker

wondering why my mbp 15 to samsung 22" led monitor via minidisplay to hdmi give me flickers, whereas if i connected to my samsung 37" lcd tv no flicker at all. right now i had to connect to my monitor using minidisplay to vga to avoid the flicker.

While we all have MacBooks in this forum most of us don’t run Lion. There's a Lion Support Community where everybody has Lion. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer. Lion seems to have problems with external monitors. https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/mac_os_x_v10.7_lion

Dual Display Issues, Mini Display Cable, Firewire, USB, Nothing Works

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for