Multiple Monitors on laptop

I have a Dell laptop running Windows XP Home Edition. When I connected a
second monitor and turned on the computer both monitors showed the same
thing. After I opened Display Properties and clicked on Settings then on the
second monitor and put a checkmark on Extend my Windows desktop onto this
monitor and clicked OK the second monitor started showing only the wallpaper.
The taskbar and icons disappeared. I tried unchecking Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor and clicking OK, but that caused the second monitor
to shut off. How can I get it back to showing the exact same thing on both
monitors?

I thought I would let others know that I managed to get the problem solved by
using System Restore. If there is any other way to fix the problem I don't
know what it is.

"lottiemk" wrote:

I have a Dell laptop running Windows XP Home Edition. When I connected a
second monitor and turned on the computer both monitors showed the same
thing. After I opened Display Properties and clicked on Settings then on the
second monitor and put a checkmark on Extend my Windows desktop onto this
monitor and clicked OK the second monitor started showing only the wallpaper.
The taskbar and icons disappeared. I tried unchecking Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor and clicking OK, but that caused the second monitor
to shut off. How can I get it back to showing the exact same thing on both
monitors?

lottiemk wrote:
I thought I would let others know that I managed to get the problem solved by
using System Restore. If there is any other way to fix the problem I don't
know what it is.

"lottiemk" wrote:

I have a Dell laptop running Windows XP Home Edition. When I connected a
second monitor and turned on the computer both monitors showed the same
thing. After I opened Display Properties and clicked on Settings then on the
second monitor and put a checkmark on Extend my Windows desktop onto this
monitor and clicked OK the second monitor started showing only the wallpaper.
The taskbar and icons disappeared. I tried unchecking Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor and clicking OK, but that caused the second monitor
to shut off. How can I get it back to showing the exact same thing on both
monitors?


lottiemk,

I only have experience with desktops so mileage may vary but ..... I use
two monitors quite often and have used them with both ATI and Nvidia
cards. In both cases you need to get past the basic Windows setup and
into the advanced graphics handling settings. If those settings you
desire are available on your laptop they will most like be found there.
On the Windows "Display Properties" box look to the bottom right for
the "advanced" button and see what you can find. Hope his helps !!!

JimBob
"Master of the Sr. Moment"

Hello all:

I kind of have the same problem, but in reverse. I bought a 3d graphics card, but when I plug my monitor into it,it shows just an extended image of the desktop. I want to make my graphic card the primary desktop and eliminate the other "screen".

Could system restore help me too?