How to Set Up Extended View on Two Monitors With a Single Output Video Card and a Monitor Splitting Cable

If you find yourself running out of space on your computer screen, if you want to have all of your programs open and view them simultaneously, consider hooking up a second monitor to your computer. When connected, the second monitor acts as an extension of the first. You mouse can move back and forth to either monitor. Whether you run a business or just want more desktop space on your personal computer, follow these simple steps for your Windows XP system.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Your computer with your current monitor
• An additional monitor
• A Single Output Video Card
• A Monitor Splitting Cable

1. This is the "VGA port" on the back of a laptop. It has 15 small holes. Find the VGA Port on the back of your computer. On many computers it will have this port labeled with the word "monitor" and there are fifteen (15) small holes on it. The fifteen holes will match up with the splitting cable that you have.
2. This is the video cable, or the "VGA" cable. It connects your second monitor to your central computer. Connect the video cable to your computer and then to your second monitor. Your Windows XP system should auto-detect this connection to your main computer.
3. Right click on the desktop of your computer. Select the last choice on the menu that pops up, "Properties."
4. Once you are in properties, click on the tab that says "Settings." If your video card supports having two monitors connected, then the settings screen should have two squares, a square with the number "1" and a square with the number "2." Click on "2."
5. Click on the button that says "Extend Windows to this monitor." Click "Apply"

Tips & Warnings

• You must have a video card that has the ability to support two monitors with one output.