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100gamberi

Cancelled
Original poster
Apr 26, 2020
2
0
Hi,



I recently bought a second screen for my mac mini and macbook air, a HP 22w Monitor with two inputs, which is used by both of the computers - the mac mini is connected via HDMI, the other computer via thunderbolt - VGA. The mac mini is also connected via thunderbolt - vga to a second screen, an Asus VS228DE Monitor.



The issue is that when I boot up the mac mini, both of the two monitors do not work if they're connected to it. The only way to make them work simultaneously with the mac mini is to disconnect either the VGA - thunderbolt port or the HDMI one from the computer, boot it up, and then reconnect that cable to it. Also, when I don't use the mac mini for a while and it goes to sleep mode, I almost always have to reset the computer and booting it up as previously described.



Nothing changes with the macbook air connected or not to the HP monitor.



I really don't know what might be the problem. Any suggestions?



Thanks.
 
If I'm understanding correctly I'd say that the way you're connecting the two computers to one monitor isn't supported and is causing the issue.

if that's the case, it would be weird as there's literally a switch on the HP monitor to change between VGA and HDMI. plus, how is it possible to know that when buying a monitor?

update: it seems to boot up fine if the macbook air isn't connected to the HP monitor. however, there's still the sleep mode issue. when it happens, the monitors just don't work. I have to turn off the mac mini. one weird thing: when I do that, it boots up twice automatically, as I can hear the sound it makes two times. the first time the monitors don't work, the second time they do. what is happening?
 
Since you clarified that the Mini boots with both monitors IF the MBA isn't connected to the HP monitor I'd say that the HP, when connected to both, is wonking up the works…probably putting out some bad-mojo juice due to two input ports being occupied. Just because a monitor has two ports doesn't mean you can have them both occupied at the same time…it's not a TV. Check with HP to confirm.

Also, I believe the combination of HP monitor, HDMI and macOS have a history of issues.
 
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