Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bofast]

I'm just checking to see if anyone knows whether it would be harmful to either the computer, the monitor and/or the user (me) if I were to unplug (or plug in) a CRT monitor (that was powered off completely, possibly also disconnected from the power outlet) from the video card of a computer that was still powered on.
I'm planning to set up a server at home and, as I only have one monitor, I would like to have the possibility to move the D-Sub VGA cable between the different computers without having to take the server down every time.

It would also allow me to keep my computer up and running anti-virus scans and similar while I connect my Wii to the CRT monitor (for better image and not having to keep an otherwise unused TV around).

I'm not very into all these electric things, but I'm thinking that it probably shouldn't be very bad if the monitor is powered off completely. I'd like to have some confirmation on this, though, if possible.

Thanks in advance 

[Svet]

yes its safe, you can disconnect monitor from VGA and move to another machine.
but why not getting a second monitor cable and to use monitor input switches?

[Ex Forum Mod]

 I have been doing it for 3 weeks and nothing fried yet. As you say power off monitor 1st. Not doing it now as I shut down the 2nd PC.

[Bofast]

yes its safe, you can disconnect monitor from VGA and move to another machine.
but why not getting a second monitor cable and to use monitor input switches?

I was thinking about doing that eventually, but I have no money for it yet, and I could really use the server as soon as possible for school-projects. Thanks for the really fast answers, BOSSKILLER and HenryW, you're great help as always 

[NovJoe]

I've always been doing this... wouldn't kill even a insect. No worries, just be careful of bend pins...

[Aaron]

Buy a KVM switch and another cable. Flick of a switch and you change signal input

I'm using one right now...

[Ex Forum User 3]

Servers normally don't need a monitor at all, they are mostly a black-box anyway, completely run/used from remote.

[NovJoe]

Yep, Remote Desktop Connection is the best way to access your server from any location within the domain, or via VPN access.

[simonmpoulton]

Whilst it's perfectly safe to swap the monitor cable over I wouldnt recommend it. You'll eventually wreck the monitor plug and/or socket on the computer (as I have done once!)

[Svet]

eh.. with brute force everythink is possible...

[Joe Public]

Have done this often with no damage to the monitor connector.  But as stated, a KVM switch is very handy.

[Ex Forum User]

Be carefull with the kvm switch's some vid cards dont like them. DOK