Mini display port - vga only works with lid closed - then computer goes to sleep

my problem is simple, but strange.
I have a 2009 unibody macbook pro. I have 42 in lcd tv. I have a minidisplay to vga adapter and a vga cable. When I try to connect the monitor to the mbp when the lid is open nothing is detected. I do not get any options to change to mirror mode or am able to change any settings regarding the monitor. I can change the resolution of the built in display only. Now for the twist.
If I connect everything, do a restart and close the lid, as the computer boots up the external monitor works. Its the grey boot screen with the apple logo. But as soon as the computer begins to load the desktop, the monitor losses the signal. At first I thought it was going into sleep mode, so I hooked up a usb mouse to keep the computer awake. I tried the process again, and as soon as it goes to the desktop it losses the signal. So I don't think it is sleep mode.
I downloaded the minidisplay prot firmware update, but because the screen is not detected when the lid is open I cant run it. When the lid is closed the computer either goes to sleep or doesn't send the desktop signal and I still cant run it.
Nothing happens if I change between the video cards (9400 and 9600gm). Is it a resolution issue? Do the vga cables have a max resolution that is lower than 1900 x 1200?
What should I do? thanks
2009 unibody intel macbook pro
running 10.6.8
3.06 ghz 8gb ram

see all this time you DID have the info i was looking for:
"Do the vga cables have a max resolution that is lower than 1900 x 1200?"
3 posts later
"The VGA displays Apple has typically in the past offered only had 1024 x 768 resolution at most."
im sorry I inticed you to giving me the information i needed, but i guess it was required. you have earned your 10 points today.

Similar Messages

  • Does the mini display to vga adapter work with a pc (win 7 64-bit)

    Its not a thunderbolt adapter. its a mini display to vga adapter. my hp ency pc has a mini display port next to the hdmi port.

    First make sure the mini-displayport is firmly seated.  They are a bit "sneaky" in that they look like they are fully in but aren't.
    I assume that windows has something similar to the mac Displays system preferences.  So you need to check that and set if necessary the proper refresh rate and resolution for the projector.
    how do i make it work or is it formated for macs only?
    What's "it"?  The projector shouldn't care where it gets its vga signal from (when using the proper refresh rate and resolution).  The adapter is passive and just converts a digital mini-displayport signal to analog vga to pass over the cable (is the cable ok?).  That leaves your laptop.  I can't speak about it or its video card.  But I have to assume that if it supports mini-displayport it should follow the standards for mini-displayports.

  • Will a Mini-Displayport to VGA adapter work with new macbook pro 2011

    I was thinking of getting a mini-displayport to vga adapter for my external monitor I wanted to hook up but I wasnt quite sure whether it would work as my macbook pro has the new thunderbolt port, I was confused if the new port would only work with the thunderbolt displays. Could anyone help me as I'm not too sure what will work.

    I tried the Apple miniDisplayport to VGA in a Thunderbolt MBP and iMac and they both worked. Same for the Apple miniDIsplayport to DVI.

  • Does the "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter" work with all Samsung tv models?

    Does the "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter" work with all Samsung tv models?

    It's a VGA adapter. Nothing special about that. If your Samsung monitor supports VGA then it will work.
    But why not go completely digital and use a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to skip the analog conversion? It also supports passing audio over HDMI.
    About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters

  • How can I play music on my macbook pro (OSX Lion) through a Pioneer receiver. I've connected them with a mini display port to HDMI cable with audio support bought at the Apple Store, but there's no sound coming through. thanks

    How can I play music on my macbook pro (OSX Lion) through a Pioneer receiver? I've connected them with a mini display port to HDMI cable with audio support bought at the Apple Store, but there's no sound coming through. There are 4 HDMI-in ports on the receiver - BD, DVD, DVR/BDR and audio. In my system preferences for sound, the receiver doesn't show up as an output option. Can anyone please advise. (ps, this is my first time posting a question, so I hope I can find your answers!) thanks, JP downunder

    For sound, try the audio output port and connecting to the RCA  audio input ports on your Pioneer receiver.  Use something like this:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/PODCONNECTOR/
    Ciao.

  • Help using a mini display port to HDMI cable with MacBook Air and TV

    Hi, Apple gurus. I need help setting up my MacBook Air to my Vizio TV using a mini display port to HDMI cable that I just purchased on Amazon.
    And here's info about my MacBook Air:
    In the Amazon reviews, someone posted the following how-tos, which aren't working for me:
    1. Plug in both ends, mini display port on your macbook and the HDMI on any available port on your LCD.
    2. Go to upper left Apple menu and scroll down to system preference. Or use your FINDER from the dock, go to applications, then system preference.
    3. Click on Displays
    4. Click on DETECT DISPLAY
    5. A similar screen pops up with name of your LCD, mine says SONY LCD, click on ARRANGEMENT
    6. Click the box that says MIRROR DISPLAYS.
    7. Go back into system preferences and go to SOUNDS which is located under HARDWARE.
    8. Click on OUTPUT, then select HDMI, which should be listed next to your LCD name.
    I ran into trouble at step #4. My MacBook Air doesn't list the option of "detecting display." I do, however, have the box mentioned in step #6, "Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available."
    Regarding step #8, HDMI didn't appear in the list — I only see "internal speakers."
    So, what am I doing wrong? Or, did I buy the wrong cable?
    Thanks in advance for your help!

    Or you need to get an appropriate adaptor. The Griffin adaptor sold on Apple's Online Store will work with a standard HDMI cable.

  • 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

  • MBP - Mini Display Port VGA?

    Hi,
    So I'm trying to connect my Mid-2012 13" MBP to my TV via a Mini Display Port to VGA adaptor.  The problem is it won't work ^_^
    My TV simply says 'No PC input', but my Mac detects the display.  I have tried booting in Safe Mode, as I found suggsted in a seperate thread, but to no avail.  I am running 10.8.2
    If anyone could shed some light it would be great.
    Thanks,
    Ryan

    Does the mac detect the display, or does it detect an analog output?  In my experience, the VGA adapter will get recognized no matter if a display is plugged in or not. 
    -check the VGA cable to be sure there aren't any bent/mashed pins
    -try a different display port adapter

  • Mini display to vga not working on 2010 Macbook Pro

    I'm trying to hook up my MBP to an external display but it kept showing "No Signal" on the external display. I have verified that the mini display to VGA adapter is working as I've tried it on a separate MBA and 13" unibody MB.
    I brought it down to the service centre and they've replaced the motherboard for me but it's still the same. I have also tried the SMC reset but to no avail.
    Help!

    This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

  • Mac monitor with mini display port to a pc with HDMI port

    How do I attach my mac monitor with mini display port to a pc HDMI port?

    If your display port does not support audio you need an adapter like this one
    http://www.startech.com/AV/Displayport-Converters/Mini-DisplayPort-to-HDMI-Adapt er-with-USB-Audio~MDP2HDMIUSBA

  • Mini display port - video only?

    Hey,
    I'm just wondering if the mini display port is video only as I've read in some places, and if so, what is the best way to connect my MacBook to my Samsung 26" TV?
    Thanks

    It's a video-only output.
    You'll probably get better help in the aluminum MacBook forums here:
    http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=249
    ~Lyssa

  • HT201177 How to connect my MBP 13" (Mid-2012) to a projector/LED TV using a mini-display port VGA adapter (CAPDASE)

    Hello Sirs, I'm having a hard time connecting my MBP 13" (mid-2012) to my projector using my mini-display-VGA out adapter. But when I switch to Windows 7 (via bootcamp), it can easily be connected... Please help me with this problem. Thanks

    Try connecting the Minidvi to the VGA and connect it all together, first try turning ing on the MBP, then connecting dvi to the the projector. Make sure your projector input is set for VGA. If noo joy invert the affored mentioned proceedure. You should see your image if not, try going to system preferences>displays, click display.   Try readjusting the resolutions in display. reboot monitor.

  • Mid-2010 macbook pro mini display port to hdmi works only intermittently

    I have a 13-inch mid-2010 MacBook Pro running OS X 10.10.2.  HDMI out from mini displayport to my Dynex TV only intermittently works.  The times that I have gotten it to work involves a combination of restarting the computer, unplugging the TV and plugging it back in, then plugging in the MDP adapter.  Now when I plug it in, the MacBook screen flashes black like it is trying to detect the external display, but no picture on the TV.  Any help would be appreciated.

    Here is the console log output when I plug in the adapter:
    1/31/15 10:36:47.582 PM WindowServer[443]: Received display connect changed for display 0x3f003d
    1/31/15 10:36:47.582 PM WindowServer[443]: Found 1 modes for display 0x003f003d [1, 0]
    1/31/15 10:36:47.594 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x042732c0: GL mask 0x1; bounds (0, 0)[1280 x 800], 18 modes available
    Main, Active, on-line, enabled, built-in, boot, OpenGL-accel, Vendor 610, Model 9ccb, S/N 0, Unit 0, Rotation 0
    UUID 0x4f159f59a71d63aefce94e26fc6d6edd, ColorSpace { 2068752606 }
    1/31/15 10:36:47.594 PM WindowServer[443]: GLCompositor: GL renderer id 0x0102261a, GL mask 0x00000003, accelerator 0x0000429b, unit 0, caps QEX|MIPMAP, vram 256 MB
    texture max 8192, viewport max {8192, 8192}, extensions NPOT|GLSL|FLOAT
    1/31/15 10:36:47.594 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003f: GL mask 0x4; bounds (2304, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 2, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:47.594 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003e: GL mask 0x4; bounds (2305, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 2, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:47.594 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003d: GL mask 0x2; bounds (2306, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 1, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:47.605 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x042732c0: Unit 0: Startup Mode 1280 x 800, CGSThirtytwoBitColor, Resolution 1, ioModeID 0x80002000, ioModeDepth 0x2, IOReturn 0x0
    1/31/15 10:36:47.605 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXDisplaysDidReconfigure: Display added
    1/31/15 10:36:47.605 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXDisplaysDidReconfigure: Display removed
    1/31/15 10:36:47.608 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x042732c0: GL mask 0x1; bounds (0, 0)[1280 x 800], 18 modes available
    Main, Active, on-line, enabled, built-in, boot, OpenGL-accel, Vendor 610, Model 9ccb, S/N 0, Unit 0, Rotation 0
    UUID 0x4f159f59a71d63aefce94e26fc6d6edd, ColorSpace { 2068752606 }
    1/31/15 10:36:47.608 PM WindowServer[443]: GLCompositor: GL renderer id 0x0102261a, GL mask 0x00000003, accelerator 0x0000429b, unit 0, caps QEX|MIPMAP, vram 256 MB
    texture max 8192, viewport max {8192, 8192}, extensions NPOT|GLSL|FLOAT
    1/31/15 10:36:47.608 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003f: GL mask 0x4; bounds (2304, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 2, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:47.609 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003e: GL mask 0x4; bounds (2305, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 2, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:47.609 PM WindowServer[443]: Display 0x003f003d: GL mask 0x2; bounds (2306, 0)[1 x 1], 1 modes available
    off-line, enabled, Vendor ffffffff, Model ffffffff, S/N ffffffff, Unit 1, Rotation 0
    UUID 0xffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
    1/31/15 10:36:49.582 PM WindowServer[443]: **DMPROXY** (2) Found `/System/Library/CoreServices/DMProxy'. Run with arg = -discovery
    1/31/15 10:36:49.605 PM WindowServer[443]: **DMPROXY** (2) Found `/System/Library/CoreServices/DMProxy'. Run with arg = -discovery
    1/31/15 10:36:49.712 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXSetDisplayColorProfileAndTransfer: Display 0x042732c0: Unit 0; ColorProfile { 2068752606 }; TransferTable (256, 12)
    1/31/15 10:36:49.767 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXSetDisplayColorProfileAndTransfer: Display 0x042732c0: Unit 0; ColorProfile { 2068752606 }; TransferTable (256, 12)
    1/31/15 10:36:49.771 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD Agent: xpc connection became invalid during event handler
    1/31/15 10:36:49.822 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD Agent: xpc connection became invalid during event handler
    1/31/15 10:36:49.865 PM DMProxy[647]: AMBD Services: connection interrupted: com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent (Connection interrupted)
    1/31/15 10:36:49.875 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXSetDisplayColorProfileAndTransfer: Display 0x042732c0: Unit 0; ColorProfile { 2068752606 }; TransferTable (256, 12)
    1/31/15 10:36:49.923 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AmbientDisplayAgent started
    1/31/15 10:36:49.929 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD initializing devices
    1/31/15 10:36:49.940 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD Agent: xpc connection became invalid during event handler
    1/31/15 10:36:49.942 PM DMProxy[648]: AMBD Services: connection interrupted: com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent (Connection interrupted)
    1/31/15 10:36:50.017 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AmbientDisplayAgent started
    1/31/15 10:36:54.946 PM DMProxy[648]: AMBD Services serviceSendMessageWithReplyAndTimeout:131: Semaphore timeout when waiting for reply to message ID 2
    1/31/15 10:36:54.946 PM DMProxy[648]: AMBD Services serviceSendMessageWithReplyAndTimeout:131: Semaphore timeout when waiting for reply to message ID 1
    1/31/15 10:36:54.948 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD initializing devices
    1/31/15 10:36:54.960 PM WindowServer[443]: CGXSetDisplayColorProfileAndTransfer: Display 0x042732c0: Unit 0; ColorProfile { 2068752606 }; TransferTable (256, 12)
    1/31/15 10:36:54.971 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD Agent: xpc connection became invalid during event handler
    1/31/15 10:36:54.972 PM com.apple.AmbientDisplayAgent[313]: AMBD Agent: xpc connection became invalid during event handler

  • My external display via VGA only works when macbook air is shut?

    I'm using a MDP to VGA to connect my 2012 Macbook Air to an external display. When the Air is open I can view only the desktop (no open apps). The open apps only appear on the external monitor when I close the Air (after a couple of seconds)!! Have I accidently altered some settings somewhere??? Makes no sense to me.

    Update - I ended up spending about an hour on the phone with a very helpful rep from AppleCare.  He was also stumped by this problem.  We ended up solving it by using a remote screen-share app that allowed him to see what my video card was sending to the external display, and he directed me over the phone to change the settings (quite funny really - it was literally "move your mouse up a tiny bit, now click, now left, etc).
    So, my problem is solved for now, albeit in a very cumbersome way.  Still amazed that there's no way to fix this properly.

  • Why won't any Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter work with my 2012 13" MacBook Pro?

    Hello!
         A few month ago, I purchased a new 2012 13" MacBook Pro. I quickly realised that my non-Apple MDP to VGA adapter was not working, but put off the problem as it wasn't neccesary -- and I thught that the adapter was to blame. However, after using the adapter sold by Apple, I can asafely say that the problem is with my computer. In review on the product, several 2012 MacBook Pro users mention this. I was hoping someone here would be able to point me towards a solution! Thank you.

    I tried the Apple miniDisplayport to VGA in a Thunderbolt MBP and iMac and they both worked. Same for the Apple miniDIsplayport to DVI.

Maybe you are looking for

  • 2010 Mac Mini slow start up

    Hi all, All of a sudden our Mac Mini bought in early 2010 is very slow on start up. In fact it's been on the grey screen now for 20mins with the spinning timer & looking like not much is happening. It's a Mac Mini Server but it's just used to hold ou

  • IPhoto library or pictures folder

    While trying to back up my photos to Sugarsync service I realized that my iphoto library and pictures folder have disappeared.  I have backed up all my photos to an external drive and they are still on my computer so I am not frantic.  I can not find

  • Has anyone experienced problems saving downloaded pdf files in Yosemite?

    In Mavericks, I could choose the pdf file destination folder using the save dialog box's "search" entry to select the folder to save a file in. Now the search feature seems to have been disabled. Yosemite appears to have implemented a new method to c

  • What does javaw do?

    What does javaw do. Does it let me run applications?

  • Table height changes in Firefox

    Here is my website. Looks great in IE6, but in Firefox the table height changes and on my 15" monitor, the bottoms get cut off. I'm a graphic designer and don't know code well, so I really need advice on how to correct this in DW8. Thanks. http://bel