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Problems With KVM Switch

Thursday, September 10, 2009
Related Tags: kvm | switch | mouse | keyboard | indicator
 

Instructions

Check the Lights

  • Step 1:
    If not all of the PCs or servers are available via the KVM switch, check the indicator lights on the front of the switch. Each connection should have an indictor light next to it--in some cases the light will be obvious and hard to miss, while in other cases, the light may be more subtle. Be sure to look at the indicator light next to the PC or server that is giving you a problem. It could be that the connection between the PC and the switch has come loose, or it could be that the PC has been powered down or gone into suspend mode.

    Try reseating the cables, even if they do not look loose. If that does not work, power off the PC and restart it. As the PC restarts, look carefully at the indicator lights on the front of the KVM switch. You should see the indicator light next to the PC come up as the unit powers on. If it does not, try moving it to another port on the KVM switch and try again.

Check the Display

  • Step 1:
    The beauty of using a KVM switch is that you do not have to fill your computer room, or your home workspace, with bulky monitors. That is why it is so important to choose a quality monitor for use with your KVM switch. There is always the temptation to hook an old and outdated monitor to the switch, but this can be counterproductive in the long run. Some older style monitors may not be able to adjust their resolution automatically, and that could cause problems with some newer model PCs and servers. Using a monitor of a fairly recent vintage can alleviate these problems, and help you to avoid many common KVM display problems.

Check Your Input Devices

  • Step 1:
    The ability to use a single keyboard and mouse to control many different pieces of hardware is certainly appealing, but input device problems can be a real problem when working with a KVM switch. A malfunctioning mouse or keyboard can render every unit connected to the KVM switch unusable, so it is important to look for signs of trouble and nip them in the bud.

    Mouse problems often manifest themselves with a cursor that jumps around the screen or is difficult to control. Issues like freezing and a delayed reaction can indicate a problem with the keyboard. If any of these issues are seen, replacing the keyboard and mouse attached to the KVM switch may alleviate them.

Problems With KVM Switch Provided by eHow.com
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