Dell 2300MP unable to find signal with Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop

Question

I have been using my Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop with just about every brand of projector since I bought it in 2003 - In Focus, Sony, Canon, Fujitsu, etc.  It is ironic that I have only had a problem with a Dell projector (2300MP).  The specific problem is that in dual monitor mode (laptop screen and projector), the 2300MP looks in vain for a signal, then eventually says Out of Range. The cable is 6 feet long.  I have tried this with 5 different 2300MP's on our site and with different cables with the same result. Hooking up any of the aforementioned projector brands or with an external monitor (CRT or flat panel) works like a charm, so it does not seem to be a laptop problem.  I set the resolution on the laptop to XGA (1024 x 768 x 16.7 million colours) per the projector specs, and successively went lower and lower hoping for success. Nope.

Lukifer122 · Answer

I had the same troubles here with our Dell laptops and 2300mp projector.   In your power management settings on the laptop, set it to presentation mode or always on. Then the projector will work as desired.   The problem is that in some of the power saving modes, the output to the second monitor is not running at full output, so the projector sees a signal, but it's not strong enough to actually register it, so it goes to out of range.   :D -Luke

buysellwithhono · Answer

We have a gateway and toshiba notebook, and get the same problem on both. I will try this power setting option, and see if it fixes the problem. We have the Dell 100ft. cable, so everything here is Dell Projector, Dell 15' cable, and Dell 100' insulated/shielded cable. Thanks for the info, if it works out. I'll let you guys know either way. Dell support is really poor, whereas historically it has been good. I am getting poor responses from their India support desk, which I find common in some large companies.   This answer makes more sense. Thanks again.

Jason_Toronto · Answer

Thanks Luke. Tried both of your options (Always On and Presentation). No luck. Same behaviour. I can only hope this happens to Michael Dell at a Comdex presentation.   Jason

buysellwithhono · Answer

My projector is only 4 months in use. I assume Tech Support is useless, since the people from India don't know much. I have filed a BBB complaint with Dell, requesting a full refund. I will file an FCC complaint as well, if this persists.   I am asking for a full refund, so I can buy a Toshiba or Nec, the next highest rated projectors.

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Dell 2300MP unable to find signal with Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop

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