Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I've a refurbished late-2008 Macbook Pro running the latest version of Lion. This problem started couple of weeks ago. Whenever I detach an external monitor, the resolution on the laptop display goes haywire and displays one of those 16-color resolution on all the apps. I have to shut down each app and reopen them to regain the original resolution (dashboard continues to show the diminished resolution). If I log off and on, everything is back to normal.

Is my graphics card going bad or the DVI/MiniDisplayPort connector causing problems?

share|improve this question
What happens when you turn off the external display without unplugging it? Also, you might want to check in System Preferences > Color, and also 'Detect Displays' – l'L'l Jan 20 '12 at 20:58
Turning off the external display doesn't change anything. t tried clicking 'Detect Displays' before and after I plug in the external display. Doesn't change anything. – Patrix Jan 20 '12 at 21:02
Do you mean the graphics don't go haywire when you turn it off? If so, try turning it off-then unplug. What are the 'Color' settings on? – l'L'l Jan 20 '12 at 21:08
I meant, the problem persists. The 'Color' settings are set to the default Color LCD – Patrix Jan 20 '12 at 22:00
I see; without knowing more specifics it sounds related to the DVI/MiniDisplayPort itself. If you have an extra hard drive or partition make a fresh OS X install (stock) and see if it persists. If it does then I would be inclined to think it's hardware related and not software. – l'L'l Jan 20 '12 at 22:26

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.