Trying to get 2 monitors to work

EamonX1 · 21 Sep 2016

Windows 10, PC Dell Studio.
I have two Dell Monitors connected. They are connected as follows: One is VGA to VGA. The second is DVI to VGA. (I hope this is correct).
Both Monitors are showing in the Device manager screen. Dell 1907FP (Analog) and Dell 2007FP (Analog) The drivers for both are up to date.
I checked the Display adaptors. There is a single adaptor : ATI Radeon HD 3450. Its driver is up to date

I clicked Windows+P and selected extended screen. One screen shows my desktop with Icons and Taskbar icons. The second screen does not show the desktop icons, although it does show the taskbar with icons.

My Problem:
I am able to transfer Word file icons from my Main Screen to the Second screen, using the Mouse. However when I click on the icons on the 2nd Screen they only open up on the 1st Screen. In short I am unable to open files on the 2nd Screen although I can place the file icons there. What am I doing wrong. I want to be able to compare these Word files placing them side by side on the two screens.

Kari · 21 Sep 2016

You are not doing anything wrong. Applications generally open on the display where they were last time closed. If you want Word on display 2 but it opens on display 1, simply drag it from title bar to display 2.

When you now close it when it's open on display 2, next time you open it, it should open on display 2.

Kari

EamonX1 · 22 Sep 2016

Thanks Karl. Will try that and get back to you later

Kari · 22 Sep 2016

Just remember that it is totally irrelevant on which display shortcuts are located, it has nothing to do with on which display applications open. Some few apps always default to display 1 when opened but generally they open on the same display they were closed last time.

EamonX1 · 26 Sep 2016

The lastest state of play on this issue. I have both monitors side by side. I can move the cursor from one monitor to the other without a problem. Here is what is happening:
I move a Word File from my main display to the second screen. I then click on the file to open it. However it does NOT open on the Second Screen, but opens on the main display. I want it to open in the second screen. How to solve this?

Kari · 26 Sep 2016

I have already told you that it is completely, totally irrelevant on which display the shortcut or icon for your file is when you open it. Almost all applications follow the same basic rule: by default they open on display 1 when started first time, thereafter they will open on the same display where they were last time they were closed.

As I have told you if Word documents now open on display 1 but you want them to open on display 2, you must first open a Word document, then drag it from its title bar to display 2, then close it.

I repeat: the display where the app or file icon or shortcut is located has nothing to do with on which display it opens.

EamonX1 · 26 Sep 2016

Thanks so much. I misunderstood your first post, but now did it as you advised and it is all working perfectly. Really grateful for your help.
Eamonn

Kari · 26 Sep 2016

You are welcome :)