Problems hooking up a monitor to my laptop...

[MC Webster]

I have a Dell I8200 laptop and am trying to hook up a laptop to it. I managed to figure out how to clone the image from my laptop to my monitor, but how do I have it such that when I turn on my laptop, only my monitor comes on? Secondly, how do I get it such that I can move windows and programs between the two screens (ie-dual view)?

Finally, the monitor doesn't seem to look very clear. Why would that be? Do I need special drivers or do I not have it hooked up properly or what?

 

[JustinLerner]

When using multiple monitors (via laptop or desktop) you need the correct drivers for the video card(s) and the correct INF files for all monitors.

If you don't use the correct INF files, the PC/laptop doesn't know what the frequency/resolution/color depth range of your monitor is, so it assigns it either some Plug n Play monitor or a SVGA or VGA capability.

Afte updating your laptop with the INF file for your external monitor, you should be able to use both simultaneously as one desktop or as a desktop extension or use one or the other. Contact Dell if you have any futher problems, they have good tech support that can give you the right answer for this.