Multiple displays in Windows XP: How to change default arrangment?

[Guest]

I have a screen and laptop that I want to run together. The screen sits above
the laptop and for convenience I'd like the default virtual arrangment to
mirror the physical layout, so that when I plug it in, I can simply move the
mouse up or down to the other screen.

Does anyone know how to do this in Windows XP?

 

[John Waller]

The screen sits above

the laptop and for convenience I'd like the default virtual arrangment to
mirror the physical layout,

Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display

Settings tab

"Drag the grey monitor icons ***to match the physical arrangement*** of your
monitors"

If screen is Monitor 1 and laptop is monitor 2 and you want screen above
laptop then drag Monitor 1 grey icon above Monitor 2 grey icon. Click OK.

The cursor will then disappear at the top of the laptop and reappear at the
bottom of the screen.

 

[John Waller]

"Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display"

Should of course read: Start > Control Panel > Display

 

[Guest]

Thanks John, however this only seems to work as a temporary measure. If I run
the laptop by itself elsewhere, then return to the configuration listed
above, it defaults back to side by side. Then I have to change it all over
again.

What I really need to be able to do is set the default configuration for two
screens to be above and below each other permanently. Do you know how to do
that?

Cheers.

 

[Malke]

Thanks John, however this only seems to work as a temporary measure. If I run
the laptop by itself elsewhere, then return to the configuration listed
above, it defaults back to side by side. Then I have to change it all over
again.

What I really need to be able to do is set the default configuration for two
screens to be above and below each other permanently. Do you know how to do
that?

Cheers.

The options to handle multiple monitors come from your graphics card
drivers and also what your graphics card can do. Some drivers are less
configurable than others. The operating system itself doesn't have a lot
of options for advanced configuration in this area.

A better (and not very expensive) solution is to use the third-party
program UltraMon. You can get a free trial to see if you like it before
you buy it. I use it on my son's multiple monitor setup and he is very
satisfied with it.


Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks Malke!

The options to handle multiple monitors come from your graphics card
drivers and also what your graphics card can do. Some drivers are less
configurable than others. The operating system itself doesn't have a lot
of options for advanced configuration in this area.

A better (and not very expensive) solution is to use the third-party
program UltraMon. You can get a free trial to see if you like it before
you buy it. I use it on my son's multiple monitor setup and he is very
satisfied with it.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User