Using Multiple Monitors: Graphics Card + Motherboard VGA

[Nathan Sokalski]

I recently purchased a second monitor and a graphics card. I have used
systems with multiple monitors before, so I know how everything works in
Windows XP (all the settings in the Display dialog, etc.). However, Windows
does not want to see both monitors at the same time. I can get either
monitor to work by connecting to my original motherboard VGA, and I can get
either monitor to work by connecting to the new graphics card, but I can't
get both to work at the same time. Is there something I need to do in
Windows XP before connecting the second monitor (the instructions on the CDs
that came with the monitor and graphics card were useless in figuring this
out). Thanks.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I recently purchased a second monitor and a graphics card. I have
used systems with multiple monitors before, so I know how
everything works in Windows XP (all the settings in the Display
dialog, etc.). However, Windows does not want to see both monitors
at the same time. I can get either monitor to work by connecting to
my original motherboard VGA, and I can get either monitor to work
by connecting to the new graphics card, but I can't get both to
work at the same time. Is there something I need to do in Windows
XP before connecting the second monitor (the instructions on the
CDs that came with the monitor and graphics card were useless in
figuring this out).

Does your hardware (BIOS) have a setting that might impede this? Not all
on-board video cards *can* be used at the same time as an add-on card.

In any case - are you saying that you cannot extend (in the display settings
in Windows XP) onto the other monitor?

 

[DL]

In edition to Shenan's response, generally you would use a card that
supports dual monitors, and plug both the monitors into that card, then use
the software supplied with that card to configure your dual monitors.
Both ATI, Nvidea, Matrox produce multi monitor/display cards
Depending on the age of your mobo you may have to disable the onboard video

 

[Kenny]

I had a similar problem with a new laptop with ATI graphics, couldn't use
dual displays.
Downloaded newer drivers from ATI rather than the laptop mfr., (Advent), and
it worked great after that.