How Do I Attach a Laptop to a Projector With Wndows XP?

Display your laptop computer monitor image on a big screen by attaching it to a projector. Projecting the monitor for your laptop on a screen can help you lead presentation and can also give you a larger workspace if you hook it up for your own use. Most projectors are equipped with inputs corresponding to the image outputs found on many newer laptops. Connecting your laptop to a projector is easy to do, and takes just a few moments to set up the projector and cables and configure Windows to output a feed to the projector.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop with S-video or VGA-out
• VGA or S-video cable
• Projector with corresponding input

Instructions

1. Plug the projector into a power outlet. Connect the VGA or S-video cable to the input on the projector. Connect the other end of the cable to the output on your laptop. Power the projector on to allow it to warm up.

2. Power the laptop on and enter the Windows XP operating system.

3. Right-click on an open area of the desktop. Select "Properties."

4. Choose the "Settings" tab in the "Display Properties" menu. Select monitor 2 as the active monitor. If the projector is warmed up, the image should project onto the projector screen. When you are happy with the settings, click "OK" to save.

Tips & Warnings

• If the image is unclear or plain white, adjust the focus on the projector before proceeding with computer troubleshooting.

• Some projectors have a selector that tells the system which input you're using. If the picture won't come up after you have connected the projector, check the assigned input source to make sure it is set for the type of input you are using.

References

• Windows: Supporting Multiple Display Environments