Consider the following scenario on a Windows Vista Tablet PC-based computer:

• You extend the desktop to an external monitor.
• You set the external monitor as the main monitor.
• You shut down the Windows Vista Tablet PC-based computer.
• You detach the external monitor from the Windows Vista Tablet PC-based computer.

In this scenario, when you restart the operating system, and you use the built-in monitor, you may find that the tablet pen does not work.

Consider the following scenario:

• You connect an external monitor to a portable computer that is running Windows Vista.
• You disable the portable computer’s built-in display.
• The portable computer turns off the external monitor because of the lack of user activity.
• You disconnect the external monitor, and then you resume the portable computer.
• The portable computer’s built-in display turns on.
• You reconnect the external monitor.

In this scenario, the external monitor displays a black screen.

Considering the following scenario:

• You have a Windows Vista-based or Windows Server 2008-based portable computer that is connected to an external monitor.
• You set the external monitor as the main monitor.
• The external monitor has a screen resolution that differs from the portable computer’s built-in monitor.
• You put the portable computer into sleep or in hibernation.
• You remove the external monitor.

In this scenario, when you wake the portable computer, the logon screen is not resized correctly. For example, the logon window may be smaller or larger than the screen on the portable computer.

You connect an external hard disk that is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) 1394 standard to a Windows Vista-based computer. However, the external hard disk is not detected.

This symptom occurs on dual-capability external hard disks that can be connected by using an IEEE 1394 connection or a USB connection. However, this symptom only occurs when the external hard disk is connected by using an IEEE 1394 connection.

Consider the following scenario. You are running Windows Vista on a portable computer. You connect an external display to the computer, and then you configure the desktop area to extend across both displays. This configuration is known as “Extended desktop” mode. You turn off the computer, and then you start the computer while the lid is closed. Or, you start the computer, and then you quickly close the lid.

When you log on in this scenario, the resolution of the external display may unexpectedly change. The external display may not use the same resolution as was previously used.

Consider the following scenario:

• On a Windows Vista-based portable computer, you run Windows Media Center in full-screen mode.
• The portable computer has a wide screen, and the screen resolution has been configured for wide-screen resolution. For example, the screen resolution is set to 1280 by 800 pixels.
• You connect the portable computer to an external monitor by using an S-Video connection.
• You try to switch the screen to the external monitor by using the function key on the portable computer.

Note: The particular function key to switch the screen between monitors varies, depending on the computer manufacturer.
In this scenario, you may notice that the screen has been successfully switched to the external monitor. However, the screen is black, or it appears to be otherwise broken.

On a Windows Vista-based portable computer, you use a VGA cable to connect an external display. For example, you connect a monitor, a projector, or a television to the portable computer. The screen may flash when you connect the external display or when you use the external display. This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:

• The VGA cable is long.
• Multiple VGA cables are connected to one another.
• The VGA cable does not have effective electromagnetic shielding.