How to Install a Dual Display

Dual-display monitors look space-age and extravagant, but they can also be a helpful tool in streamlining multiple tasks. Dual-display monitors allow you to categorize and organize related tasks for quick processing. For the entertainment multitasker, dual displays allow you to watch a movie or video podcast stream in one window while doing homework in the other. Installing a dual display on your home computer is easy, and it requires just a few simple installation and configuration steps.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with at least 512 megabytes of RAM and Pentium 2 or better processor
• Two monitors
• Two monitor cables
• Video card with dual-display capability
• Operating system with dual-display compatibility

Instructions

Hardware Installation

1. Open your computer. Shut your computer down, and unplug it from power and all devices. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws to the access hatch on your computer case. Gently remove the access hatch, and place the case screws in a safe place.

2. Locate your existing video card by locating the hardware connected to the plug for your monitor. Gently remove the video card by unfastening its latch and carefully removing it from its slot. If the video card is part of your motherboard, locate an open PCI slot for your new video card. Install the video card in the PCI slot according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Put the hatch back on the case and replace the screws. Plug both monitors into the new video card, and plug them into power. Reconnect your computer keyboard, mouse and Internet, and connect the computer to power. Power the monitors and computer on, and wait for the operating system to load.

Software Installation and Setup

1. Locate the driver for your dual-monitor-capable video card, usually included as a CD in the package with a new video card or made available for download on the manufacturer's website. Run the installation package for your dual-display monitor drivers and setup software.

2. Follow the instructions given by the software installation program until the installation is complete. You may need to restart your computer to complete the installation process.

3. Access the control utility for your video card, usually found in the control panel or administrative options menu for your operating system. Locate the configuration menu for multimonitor support, often located in the Display or Settings menu of your video card setup software.

4. Select the dual-display function that best suits your needs. Dual-display options include two identical monitors, two separately configured monitors and two monitors displaying as one large monitor.

5. Select the monitor you want to use as your primary monitor and how you would like the screen positioning to appear. Set the resolution and frame rate within the ideal ranges for each monitor, and apply the settings. If the settings are not working, wait for a moment, and the software will restore the previous settings. Once you are satisfied with your settings, save your settings and exit the configuration program.

Tips & Warnings

• If one or both of your monitors appears blank when you switch to a dual display, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate to see if that restores the picture.

• Do not open your computer without unplugging it from power first, lest you risk unnecessary electric injury that could kill you.

References

• "The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide;" Mark Minasi, Faithe Wempen, Quentin Docter; 2005
• "Upgrading and Repairing PCs;" Scott Mueller; 2008