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Posted on Apr 10, 2008
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Cannot get the projector to pick up signal from the computer

This projector was purchased for an association to use twice a year. It has less than 100 hours of use. Sometimes, we have a very difficult time getting this projector to pick up the signal and sometimes we do not.
As of right now, I'm trying to hook this projector to a new Dell Inspiron 1720. I follow the directions by first turning the projector on, then turn the computer on and it will pick it up, but it is not picking up the signal and it says, no signal. I've tried using the USB cable and I've tried using the VGA Cable.
I've tried pushing buttons on the projector to try to get it to run through the source settings again and I cannot get it to do anything!
So, I put the User disk in my computer to go through the manual. This computer reads Adobe 8, it would not read it. It wants Adobe 6. I put it in my other computer that has XP and Abobe Reader 7, still won't read it. I put it in an old computer with windows 98, Reader unknown and I cannot get it to work on there either.
I thought with these projectors, you just plug them in and they should automatically pick the signal up. I've had friends help when we've had problems and they've pushed F? something keys and eventually got it to read. I do not know what those keys are.
I'm very frustrated with this projector and wish I could get a manual to read to figure out the kinks every time we want to use it. Most of all, I have 1 week to get these 2 machines talking to each other.
Could it be a cable?
Any help would sure be appreciated.
Carla

PS I should have known. I would have problems with this question too. The projector is an Optoma EP745, but I had to enter another to get it to go through. It is also a XGA, 2500L projector that is discontinued

5 Answers

Dean Joly

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  • Posted on Apr 10, 2008
Dean Joly
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You need to press Fn+F8 repeatedly until you highlight "Both Display and Projector". See this: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1720/en/om_en/html/keyboard.htm#wp1056315 in the owners manual.

The Fn key is between the left ctrl key and the windows logo key. The F8 is at the top of the keyboard and will have the words "CRT/LCD" on it in grey.

I don't beleive the projector is at fault here.

BTW you need the VGA cable to get a picture and the usb cable to be able to move the mouse and keyboard with the projector's remote control.

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  • Master 1,447 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 10, 2008
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Yep projectors are just dummy devices but still you have to select the source setting and the type of cable when you connect it to a computer specially laptops, there is a setting on the menu in which you set source to AUTO/or computer on some. For the keys to press on the laptop, press the FN key and hold it down then look for F5 or F4 then press on it it will depend on the brand of laptop but on the F# keys just select the one that has the LCD icon or a monitor icon. Whats your email add so that i can send you lists of these keys to press on different laptop brands

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  • Master 13,435 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 10, 2008
Ekse
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Hey, the solution is very simple the laptop is not set to use the vga output. All you need to do is to turn the vga output on.

Yeah its the FN (function key) and f1-f12 .. On my laptop its F7. so FN + f7 should do it.

Il post more detailed instructions if needed.

  • Ekse Apr 10, 2008

    check what the buttons f1-f12 read. one of them should read LCD/VGA thats the one.

  • Ekse Apr 10, 2008

    If the laptop is connected to internet, I can perform remote assistance and solve the problem with you. just contact me on this website.

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  • Master 3,422 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 10, 2008
Anonymous
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Hi,

The first thing is that it doesn't matter if it is adobe 6,7 or 8.It should read it if the file is pdf.

i'll let you know more info. on this problem..

  • Anonymous Apr 10, 2008

    ok, here is the solution i've found this from already solved problem in Fixya.
    try this out press these keys together FN+f4
    OR FN+F5

    If this doesn't work please let me know.

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Damen Wong

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  • Master 1,950 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 10, 2008
Damen Wong
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Hi,

To toggle the output to VGA you need to press FN + F4 or F5.

  • Damen Wong
    Damen Wong Apr 10, 2008

    I am referrring to your computer.

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2 Related Answers

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Anonymous

  • Posted on Jul 28, 2008

SOURCE: Help needed for Optoma EP 719 DLP PROJECTOR

picture upside down

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Anonymous

  • 70 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 24, 2009

SOURCE: I have an Optoma EP745 projector. I heard a 'pop'

check all the fans, if still working. if the problem occur get assist to the nearest technician im sure your lamp balasst was deffective.

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