Need recommendations for KVM that will work with Vista and XP syst

[Guest]

My current KVM (iogear GCS612A), which I have used flawlessly for 2 XP
systems for the past 3 years won't work with my new computer configed with
Vista. The monitor signal won't activate the KVM, nor send a signal to the
monitor. I was told (by Dell, Iogear, and LG - who makes my monitor) that I
need a new KVM, but none on the Vista site are listed as "compatible" or
"certified." I tired Microsoft "live chat" but all she could do was refer me
to a link, none of which were guarenteed to work with Vista. So how do I buy
one that I'm certain will work with Vista?

Thanks for any support or feedback!

 

[babaloo]

The KVM is independent of the OS. If your switch is working properly you
should be able to switch between computers.

 

[Guest]

According to tech service at Iogear it is working properly. I have swithched
it between the 2 XP computers and it works fine. I Have tried switching the
cables between the XP and Vista and it always responds to the XP regardless
of which cable is connected, but there is no response from the Vista
computer. I thought it was a problem with the video card, but Dell tried to
troubleshoot the problem with me (i.e., more cable switching) and they
believe it is the KVM. Do you have any other thoughts? I tried to contact MS,
but when I put my PID into the chat section, it said my PID was not valid,
even though I registered my system. I have spent the last 8 hours (seriously)
trying to resolve this problem.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You have a Dell computer so I assume Windows Vista came with the Dell.
If so, Windows Vista is OEM and the message you get from Microsoft
support is correct.
For OEM, the manufacturer and not Microsoft is the source of support.
One of the many reasons why you paid less for your OEM Windows Vista.

Do monitor mouse and keyboard function properly when plugged into the
same source as the KVM?

Otherwise something else it the problem and I doubt it is the
operating system.

 

[Guest]

Hi Jupiter,

You're right, the Vista is OEM. As far as whether anything else works
through the KVM, that is to be determined. I can't hook up the mouse or
keyboard because the Dell is USB and the KVM is PS/2 and I have ordered a
converter so that I can connect them (looks like that will be a waste of
money). I didn't even try the audio - guess I got too frustrated. I'll see if
that works when I get home form work tonight. What I don't understand is, why
would my XP computers work fine, but not the Vista? The KVM activity lights
show that it is receiving a signal from the XPs, but nothing from the Vista.

Based on your comments, do you think it is a hardware problem? When I called
Dell, I suggested it was the video card, but they think because it works
without the KVM that the KVM is the problem - not the card. They told me to
buy a "MS Certified or Compatible" KVM, but according to the MS website, they
no longer logo KVMs. So what's a girl to do??
--
Thanks for your feedback,
Stephanie

You have a Dell computer so I assume Windows Vista came with the Dell.
If so, Windows Vista is OEM and the message you get from Microsoft
support is correct.
For OEM, the manufacturer and not Microsoft is the source of support.
One of the many reasons why you paid less for your OEM Windows Vista.

Do monitor mouse and keyboard function properly when plugged into the
same source as the KVM?

Otherwise something else it the problem and I doubt it is the
operating system.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Stephanie;
Borrow a PS2 mouse and keyboard from a friend.
I suspect you have a problem with those connectors.
the keyboard and mouse will confirm whether they work or not.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[Guest]

Hi Jupiter,
I have a PS/2 mouse/keyboard that I use for my XPs, but I can't connect them
to the Dell/Vista (which is strictly USB) until I get the converter (the KVM
is PS/2 in and out). As I mentioned, the PS/2s work fine on the XPs, but
there is no way to test the mouse/keyboard on the Dell/Vista. However, the
converter will be delivered tomorrow and that should give me some more
information.