how to disable ATi "extended desktop" with single monitor

[Rumpltzer]

New OS install, VisionTek 9600XT video card, latest Catalyst drivers from ATi Web site, and I'm using only ONE monitor.

When I change the resoltuion from 1024x768 to anything higher (say, 1280x960), the Windows desktop no longer fits onto a single screen of my 17-inch CRT. It does this extended desktop thing where I have to push the mouse around to see the rest of the desktop. I want to see the whole desktop at once, and I'd prefer things to appear smaller. I'm pretty sure this didn't happen until I installed the Catalyst drivers.

Is this normal? Any ideas on how to make it all on one screen?

I sent an email to ATi support and got a list of meaningless robotic answers that have nothing to do with my problem.


Specs:
Microsoft XP Professional

VisionTek 9600XT 128MB AGP retail
latest Catalyst drivers from ATi Web site

MagInnovision 770FS 17-inch CRT monitor with proper drivers installed (not the genric MS one... it doesn't seem to matter)

 

[TheMouse]

nvm

 

[Rumpltzer]

up

 

[rbV5]

Its called "Virtual Desktop" rather than extended desktop. Did you try unchecking the " Use DDC information" in the monitor properties of the "displays" tab in the advanced display properties. Pick the Maximum values your monitor supports in both the resolution and refresh drop down boxes. You might be able to also install a monitor *inf file from a similar monitor that supports a higher res/refresh rate.

 

[Rumpltzer]

Originally posted by: rbV5
Its called "Virtual Desktop" rather than extended desktop. Did you try unchecking the " Use DDC information" in the monitor properties of the "displays" tab in the advanced display properties. Pick the Maximum values your monitor supports in both the resolution and refresh drop down boxes. You might be able to also install a monitor *inf file from a similar monitor that supports a higher res/refresh rate.

Thanks! Unchecking the "use DDC information" and following your instructions worked.

I read the manual, and got nothing out of that section. Even after following your instructions and fixing the problem, the explanation in the manual doesn't seem to say a lot to me. I appreciate your help!

 

[rbV5]

the explanation in the manual doesn't seem to say a lot to me. I appreciate your help!

Its a problem I've run accross myself. I ended up installing a Sony Monitor inf file and it fixed my virtual desktop when using custom interlaced resolutions for my HTPC 🙂