Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP?

youdee · 11-04-2009, 05:46 AM

Just bought an LCD monitor for my laptop with the intention to use it as an extention for the desktop on my laptop (which is cluttered with files).

The problem is that when I connect the LCD, all i'm able to do is use it as a monitor in place of my laptop display rather than a companion on which I can drag excess files etc.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

I have a DELL Latitude 2820 running Windows XP. The LCD is a 2007 model from Acer that supports Vista (model number AL1716).

Poyol · 11-04-2009, 05:51 AM

MAKE SURE SECOND MONITOR IS PLUGGED IN

Right click on your Desktop and click properties, Go on the setting tab, and underneath the picture of a square inside a square with a number in it... There should be a drop down list, click that and it should say 2 (MULTIPLE MONITORS) On DELL Latitude 2820
click that.

Then look for a tick box on the left near the bottom that says extend my Windows Desktop on to this Monitor click it so it is ticked.

Now press the identify button..

Then press OK..

Hope this helps.

Poyol

youdee · 11-04-2009, 06:30 AM

Great, thanks! I was just wondering, if I ever decide to turn the monitor off - will the files I dragged across there reappear on my desktop?

youdee · 11-04-2009, 08:07 AM

Scratch that, the monitor won't even work! I've plugged it in and followed the steps but the monitor just reads 'no signal'.

Dogg · 11-07-2009, 07:09 AM

Two things. Adding another monitor is a way of increasing your desktop space. It's not a way of increasing storage space. It's typically recommended to have as few icons on the desktop as possible.

Assuming the monitor actually works. You may need to update your video drivers. After which you will also need to configure the display settings.

11-04-2009, 05:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
youdee Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: Vista SP1	Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP? Just bought an LCD monitor for my laptop with the intention to use it as an extention for the desktop on my laptop (which is cluttered with files). The problem is that when I connect the LCD, all i'm able to do is use it as a monitor in place of my laptop display rather than a companion on which I can drag excess files etc. Any ideas on how to fix this? I have a DELL Latitude 2820 running Windows XP. The LCD is a 2007 model from Acer that supports Vista (model number AL1716).

11-04-2009, 05:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Poyol Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Greater Manchester Posts: 35 OS: XP SP2 My System	Re: Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP? MAKE SURE SECOND MONITOR IS PLUGGED IN Right click on your Desktop and click properties, Go on the setting tab, and underneath the picture of a square inside a square with a number in it... There should be a drop down list, click that and it should say 2 (MULTIPLE MONITORS) On DELL Latitude 2820 click that. Then look for a tick box on the left near the bottom that says extend my Windows Desktop on to this Monitor click it so it is ticked. Now press the identify button.. Then press OK.. Hope this helps. Poyol

11-04-2009, 06:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
youdee Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: Vista SP1	Re: Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP? Great, thanks! I was just wondering, if I ever decide to turn the monitor off - will the files I dragged across there reappear on my desktop?

11-04-2009, 08:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
youdee Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: Vista SP1	Re: Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP? Scratch that, the monitor won't even work! I've plugged it in and followed the steps but the monitor just reads 'no signal'.

11-07-2009, 07:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Dogg Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1,965 OS: XP sp3	Re: Second monitor support for a laptop running Windows XP? Two things. Adding another monitor is a way of increasing your desktop space. It's not a way of increasing storage space. It's typically recommended to have as few icons on the desktop as possible. Assuming the monitor actually works. You may need to update your video drivers. After which you will also need to configure the display settings. __________________ Google is your friend !