[Geek post alert!]

I came across a rather perplexing and quite odd computer issue that befell my sweet, sweet UUGM (Ultimate Ultimate Gaming Machine) recently. Which was a complete surprise to me since all the code out there in all the ‘verse, past present and future were made to swear that they would not ever affect UUGM as I gave birth… err, created my sweet sweet UUGM. So naturally after applying the Dec 2005 update to DirectX 9.0c and watching my monitor go blank during the DX9 tests, I immediately started to look for my half-brother Loki and ask about his Mistletoe inventory…

While the update and the loss of the video signal to the monitor during DX9 testing was alarming, it did not appear to affect my gaming but nevertheless it was clearly a problem and problems like this need solutions. Or at the very least, huge erotic posters of hot chicks on winged horses…

I researched as much as I could about failed DX 9 testing and the loss of video signals to monitors during such tests but failed to find an definitive conclusion and remedy. I didn’t want to try to de-install DX9, which you can do but is not for the faint of heart and I didn’t change much stuff/install a lot of new programs and drivers on UUGM so I decided to take some time and see what I could work out on my own. And look for a pesky obligate parasitic plant with its roots imbedded in my monitor’s signal processor. You know, the basics.

Anywhoo, after playing around with my video card drivers, I was HUGELY surprised to have come across the solution sans smoking mistletoe arrow.

(Please pay $9.95 to View Solution)
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Kidding. This isn’t a subscription service or that really uber-lame Experts Exchange site.

See, the problem was all due to my checking the Enable Doublescan for lower resolution modes box in my Nvidia driver. Doublescanning is a technique used to increase image quality, especially in lower resolutions (ie nice for older games) by using more video bandwith, bandwith that usually can be spared when using older games. However, in this case the combo of the resolution mode DX9 uses for its tests and having doublscan enabled on my video card caused the loss of video signal problem. So if you have an Nvidia card and see that No monitor signal or suddenly your monitor goes blank during testing, don’t worry… just uncheck that doublescanning option under Display Timing on your Nvidia card and all is well. In fact, I’ve re-enabled it since it does not appear to affect anything other than DirectX’s test itself.

Weird. And oh, I’m sorry to have accused you about my problems Loki. But, you have to admit that your reputation precedes you, Trickster…

(I brake for Ragnarok)