Docking station w 2 monitors

[BO Terry]

I just set up a new Dell E-Port Plus Advanced Port Replicator (240w power supply) with matching Dell P2217H monitors for a Dell Latitude E5570 laptop. They want to use the laptop monitor and the two external monitors in a 3 screen setup.

For some reason, I can not get the system to display both external Dell monitors at the same time. I can use one or the other so that (in theory) eliminates the monitors as the source of the issue. They can be hooked up with a Display Port or VGA cable and I've tried every combination. The only the PR has DVI and the monitors have HDMI so I've not tried either of those.

Here is where it get's more confusing. I tried connecting their old Flattron monitor as the 2nd (or first) external and poof, all is right in the world. All 3 screens are viewable, both extended and duplicated, change any to primary etc.

Any suggestions as to why it won't allow viewing of the two Dell monitors at the same time? I'm going back next week for another task and will be searching for new monitor drivers while there.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Check the documentation, or even user forums at Dell, I'm more familiar with Lenovo docks but for example I did a big project last month where a client got a fleet of laptops, Ultra Docks, and dual monitors. The Ultra Docks support 3 monitors, but an oddity...you cannot use the same connector type on all of 'em....and connectors are grouped together. So you have to spread across the groupings on the back.

Also update BIOS on both laptop and dock, and latest drivers for the dock and video on the laptop (use the dell updater til it's cleared out)

 

[BO Terry]

Check the documentation, or even user forums at Dell, I'm more familiar with Lenovo docks but for example I did a big project last month where a client got a fleet of laptops, Ultra Docks, and dual monitors. The Ultra Docks support 3 monitors, but an oddity...you cannot use the same connector type on all of 'em....and connectors are grouped together. So you have to spread across the groupings on the back.

Also update BIOS on both laptop and dock, and latest drivers for the dock and video on the laptop (use the dell updater til it's cleared out)

Thanks for the suggestions. I've used this or similar Dell Port Replicator in the past with no issue but definitely thought about/tried the different connection combinations yesterday.

I will definitely be running the Dell updater next time as well.

 

[mikeroq]

Snippet from dock manual:


Hard to find information. One reason I like Lenovo is that they provide plenty of information. For instance my T460 in the PSREF says 3 independent video displays. That is a processor limitation so that should be the same for your Dell. Also Lenovo has a nice page that lists all the video combinations you can use on their docks.

From my research there should be no issue running two monitors off the dock and the laptop screen. What confuses me is how both Dell Monitors don't work on the dock. Having both on DisplayPort should work, or having both on DVI. Or one DP/DVI and other VGA.

Am I correct as to understanding your post that you had both dell monitors connected and the old VGA monitor and all 3 screens worked?

Might be a defective dock. Defiantly update the BIOS and dock firmware if possible.

 

[BO Terry]

Hi Mike, Yes, it confuses me too!

Thus far, the only way I've got 3 screens running is:
1: Built-in laptop screen
2: Dell monitor (brand new)
3: Old Flatron monitor.

FYI: Monitor 2 and 3 can be in either order with any available connection type/cable.

I was by there today on another project but this user was out of the office so I didn't get to check for any outdated drivers. That is next on my list for certain. I've looked and, according to Dell, the dock does not have any drivers/firmware so I'll be focused on the monitor, video, BIOS, chipset driver updates (and anything else the Dell updater flags).

 

[brandonkick]

I also know that the GPU in your laptop may affect the ability to run 2 external monitors plus the screen.

On some lenvo's, without a certain GPU you can only run two screens, in any setup you'd like. Either 2 external or one external and the laptops display itself.

On others, you can use the laptops display PLUS two externals. Same dock, just different laptop GPU's make the difference between being able to run 2 or 3.

 

[BO Terry]

Interesting thought but here is a potential hitch. I was on site yesterday and ran the Dell updater until everything was up to date (Video, display, BIOS etc). I also separately searched for and installed current drivers for the Dell P2217H monitor(s). I tested again with the build in display plus the two new Dell monitors. It seems it can run two monitors no matter which two. If I close the laptop, the 2nd external turns on. If the laptop is open, only one of the two Dell monitors is on. Again, if I use:
Built-in Laptop monitor
Dell P2217H
LG Flattron

All three work.

If I use:

Built-in Laptop monitor
Dell P2217H
Dell P2217H

It will only support 2 monitors (but never all 3)

 

[mikeroq]

Ok but when you are swapping between the Dell and the Flattron are they using the same port?

 

[BO Terry]

Ok but when you are swapping between the Dell and the Flattron are they using the same port?

I've tried same port & different port (on monitor and docking station).
Same cable & different cable.
Same connection type & different connection type. (Dell Display vs VGA, Flatron VGA only)
Same power cord & different power cord (no stone unturned...)

 

[mikeroq]

What resolution is the laptop display?

 

[BO Terry]

I do know that when the laptop display + 1 Dell are on or the 2 Dells w/o the laptop display, everything displays without stretched images etc but I've not checked the resolution settings. I will see about checking tomorrow or Tuesday when they are back in the office. What do you suggest I look for? Internal display higher/lower/same as the external display?

 

[mikeroq]

I think either:

Issue with combination of ports bring used.

Faulty dock?

 

[BO Terry]

I actually had another dock and tried it with that one too. Same issue.