Error 436 (GPU Having Difficulty Connecting to Headset) w/ Original HTC Vive on Laptop w/ iGPU Disabled

[Cyclone]

Title. SteamVR throws error 436 even though I'm connected directly to the Vive link box through my laptop's only HDMI port. I've disabled the iGPU in the system BIOS, Windows Device Manager, and the NVIDIA Control Panel to force my system to only use the discrete NVIDIA GPU. Tried all the basic troubleshooting involving rebooting, reinstalling SteamVR + drivers, etc. etc. to no avail.

[Bob Loblaw]

Check SteamVR support wizard https://help.steampowered.com/en/wizard/HelpWithGame/?appid=250820

===snip===
Error Display connection trouble (436) from
1) too many monitors see ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/2/3485249571293073692/ ),
2) from an adapter ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/2/4036979713113243999/?tscn=1704222275 )
3) if HDCP error, fix is starting SteamVR w/ HMD unplugged at HMD (reference lost), or changing display port compatibility setting ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/2/4364628251570335514/?tscn=1715287994 )
4) Error 436 cable and splitter specs for laptop ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/2/7134317381880549124/ ), or force headset update ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/3887226763724371785/?tscn=1696312836 )


=== some other 400 level causes to think about if those weren't your issue: ===
Error 424, run vrserver.exe and vrstartup.exe as administrator ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/4200238856307319447/?tscn=1709416208 )

Error 435 from corrupted refresh settings see ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/2/1640917625015598552/?tscn=1567730134 )

Error 435 from direct display mode ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/4293692546845913496/?tscn=1711624676 )

Error 451 fixed by changing resolution setting ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/4515507392497898856/?tscn=1723421238 )