Member Avatar for dw84uk

Information you need:

OS: XP [Service Pack 2]
Graphics Card: ASUS RADEON A9550 ( )
Also have this connector to allow me to plug in 2 monitors: ... QQcmdZViewItem

Okay so I plug in both the monitors and they both work, however they are both identified as the same monitor. When i click on Identiy, a big "1" comes up on both screens.

Then I move the number 2 box around the screen like you do when you are positioning how you want the monitors to interact with one another and this message comes up:

http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=msg5hm.jpg

I click Yes, and then tick the box that says "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor"

Then I click Apply and the screen flickers for a second before unticking the box itself.

I click on Identify again and both monitors are still 1 and both show exactly the same information

ARRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!

I guess you just cant use dual monitors with just a simple cable like this???

Help please

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  • 2 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by ruttle

Dani AI

Generated

Quick clarification for : a passive "Y" SVGA/VGA splitter just duplicates the single video output. That explains why both screens show the same big "1" when using Identify and why the "Extend my desktop" box will not remain checked — Windows and the video driver only see one physical display to work with.

Why this happens: the splitter feeds the same analog signal and monitor identity (EDID) to both displays, so the GPU reports a single monitor. Software cannot create a true second head out of one physical output; the OS will only mirror what the card provides.

Recommended checks and options:

  1. Test each monitor solo by connecting it alone to the PC output and confirming it is detected in Display Properties -> Settings and Device Manager -> Monitors.
  2. Inspect the video card for a second physical output (another VGA, DVI or DisplayPort). If a second independent port exists, use it rather than a splitter.
  3. If the card truly has only one head, viable solutions are: install a dual‑output video card, add a second video card (if the motherboard/slot type allows), or use an active external adapter — for example a hardware multi‑display box (DualHead/TripleHead style) or a USB‑to‑VGA adapter. Active adapters require drivers and usually have lower 3D/video performance than a native GPU output.
  4. Update the video driver first; sometimes driver utilities reveal multi‑monitor settings if the hardware supports them.

Bottom line: a passive splitter is for mirroring only. Extending the desktop requires two independent outputs or an active adapter; choose between replacing/adding a card or an external adapter based on budget and the needed performance.

Member Avatar for ruttle

?

Information you need:

OS: XP [Service Pack 2]
Graphics Card: ASUS RADEON A9550 ( )
Also have this connector to allow me to plug in 2 monitors: ... QQcmdZViewItem

Okay so I plug in both the monitors and they both work, however they are both identified as the same monitor. When i click on Identiy, a big "1" comes up on both screens.

Then I move the number 2 box around the screen like you do when you are positioning how you want the monitors to interact with one another and this message comes up:

http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=msg5hm.jpg

I click Yes, and then tick the box that says "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor"

Then I click Apply and the screen flickers for a second before unticking the box itself.

I click on Identify again and both monitors are still 1 and both show exactly the same information

ARRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!

I guess you just cant use dual monitors with just a simple cable like this???

Help please

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