Windows 7: Disable Projector Auto-switch

Our school IT department has purchased 56 Dell laptops with Windows 7 Professional x32. We also have projectors installed in the classroom. The projector cables are plugged into Dell E-port docking stations. The problem is that even with the projector in standby (off), it still communicates with the computer. Therefore Windows 7 automatically enables dual display clone and re-sizes to a 4:3 ratio in pillar box format. This will certainly draw complaints from the teachers. Is there a way to disable this auto-switch function? That way they could use the "Fn+F8" hot key to enable the projector when needed and disable it to return the screen to the 1280x800 resolution.

Give this a whirl:

1. Open the Control Panel (Classic View).

A) Click Administrative Tools -> Computer Management.

2. Click Continue for the UAC prompt.

3. In the left pane, expand Task Scheduler, Task Scheduler Library, Microsoft, Windows, and click on MobilePC.

4. In the middle pane, right click on TMM.

5. To Disable TMM - Click on Disable.

NOTE: TMM is enabled by default in Vista.

7. Close Task Scheduler.

8. Logoff and logon, or restart the computer to see the change.

ALSO: Select TMM, Right click -> Properties, Triggers tab, Edit "At Log on", uncheck Enabled.

Any luck?

The task you mentioned was not listed on the computer I needed to do it on. It was listed on another Windows 7 computer (not one of the 56) and your solution did not work.

Connor

Well an email out to the teachers saying they can use WIN+P to switch it back (Disconnect Projector option, first on left) wouldn't hurt. I would think if it was my IT department at my school I would inform my teachers of a small work around in the mean time. If they can't figure that out then I really don't know what to tell you.

Do what you want, but It's not that hard. Windows typically remembers your choice as long as the same unit is plugged in. If you swap for a different display system, it might do it again, but like I said... WIN+P. 2 seconds. Really easy.