External monitor goes dark

[Guodie]

I am using an HP Pavilion laptop, model 15-cs3073c, and a Dell external monitor (S2209W, digital) that is roughly a decade old. I purchased the laptop in 2020. I am running Windows 11.

The problem I am experiencing is the Dell monitor intermittently goes dark. When this happens, I typically also cannot turn the Dell off using its power button. However, recently, the Dell went dark, but I could still turn it off and on with its power button. Doing so did not revive the Dell.

This can happen either before or after the laptop goes into sleep mode. It typically happens after I have left the computer on while I do other things, such as household chores. It can occur when display is set to either 2nd screen only or duplicate.

I have noticed that if I disconnect power to the Dell, then reconnect it, that solves the problem.

My graphics card is the Nvidia GEForce MX250, version 546.80. Using the Nvidia website, I updated the display driver to their latest driver: GeForce Game Ready Driver, Version: 555.99 WHQL. I am not a gamer at all, but Nvidia did not show a so-called studio version in their list of the latest drivers for my graphics card. Updating the driver did not solve the problem.

I have an 11 year old ASUS laptop running Windows 8.1. When I connect it to the Dell, there are no problems with the Dell going dark. (I stopped using the ASUS because even with the help of ASUS and Microsoft, I could not upgrade it to Windows 10.)

This problem started on 3/5/2024. On 3/6/2024, I updated the laptop BIOS.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Guodie,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

Have you made any changes to your current OS or Upgraded? 

If yes, this could be the compatibility issue as there are no drivers available for Windows 11 on this unit.

However, If your HP Pavilion - 15-Cs3073cl laptop causes the Dell external monitor (S2209W) to go dark when connected, but the monitor works fine with other PCs, the issue could be related to the laptop's settings, drivers, or the connection itself. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Check Connection and Cable

Verify Cable Connection:

• Ensure the HDMI or DisplayPort cable is securely connected to both the laptop and the monitor.
• Try using a different cable to rule out a faulty cable.

Use Different Ports:

• If your laptop has multiple video output ports (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C), try using a different port.

Update Drivers

Update Graphics Drivers:

• Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display adapters section.
• Right-click on your graphics adapter and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Visit Manufacturer’s Website:

• Visit the HP Support website and download the latest graphics drivers for your specific model.

Adjust Display Settings

Check Display Settings:

• Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
• Scroll down to the Multiple displays section and click Detect.
• Ensure the monitor is detected and set to Extend or Duplicate the display.

Adjust Resolution and Refresh Rate:

• In the Display settings, select the external monitor.
• Adjust the resolution to match the monitor’s native resolution (1680x1050 for Dell S2209W).
• Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
• Adjust the refresh rate to a compatible setting (60Hz is typical for most monitors).

BIOS and Firmware Update

1. Update BIOS:
   • Visit the HP Support website and check for any BIOS updates for your laptop model.
   • Follow the instructions to update the BIOS.

Power Management Settings

1. Disable Power Saving for USB Ports:
   • Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
   • Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
   • Right-click on each USB Root Hub and select Properties.
   • Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Test with Different Monitors or TV

1. Try Another Monitor or TV:
   • Connect your HP Pavilion laptop to a different monitor or TV to see if the issue persists.
   • This can help determine if the issue is specific to the Dell monitor or the laptop.

Use a Different Adapter or Docking Station

1. Try a Different Adapter:
   • If you’re using an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter, try a different one.
   • Consider using a docking station that supports multiple display outputs.

Check for External Factors

1. Interference:
   • Ensure there are no electronic devices nearby that might cause interference with the monitor connection.

If after trying these steps the issue persists, it could be a hardware-related problem with the laptop’s video output port. In that case, contacting HP Support for further diagnostics and possible repair might be necessary.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

 Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.