Windows 7: Using a laptop as 2nd display

Not quite seeing what I'm encountering out there. Perhaps someone has some experience with this.

I have an Asus-built Nvidia GTS450 video card with both a VGA and DVI output. The VGA output has a 17" Dell LCD monitor hooked to it as my main display. Using a DVI-VGA adapter, I've got a cable hooked into the VGA output of my Compaq Presario F500 running Vista 32bit and I'm trying to use the laptop as a secondary monitor onto which I can extend my desktop.

So far, I've gotten to the point where the PC's graphics card seems to be detecting that there is a second display hooked up. This is evidenced by the fact that it shows two displays in the screen resolution setup window and I can change options (resolution, etc.) for the second. My mouse even moves off-screen, but the laptop will show only its own desktop.

Is there some sort of way to boot the laptop differently or switch it's display for it to realize it's a second monitor? Thanks in advance!

hi, you cannot do what you are trying to achieve. the port on your laptop is used to send a signal from the gfx card, it in now way is tied to the monitor on your laptop. the reason your computer might be seeing a second monitor is because the pins are grounded once you plug it in, but it now way can it take control of your laptop monitor and use it via the VGA port for the gfx card.

you are basically trying to take a desktop, and hook its gfx card port up to another gfx card port on another desktop. there is nowhere for the video to go as they both SEND a signal.

sorry.

I suspected as much. Thanks for the reply

I'm replying because I am in a similar situation. I have a desktop and laptop with Windows 7 64-bit Professional (both) and want to find some way to make the laptop a second monitor. The only solution I could really find was a Maxivista program that does it through the network.

The only other thing I could find was an old CNET video that uses something that looks like Windows 95 (or ME) and makes it seem like it's way simpler than it actually is.

I know there has to be a way, and I could only assume that with all of the "Windows 7 was my idea" type commercials for ease of use and comfort when doing whatever with the computer, something like this would be built in to the system features.

Please also note... Laptops don't have a 'Video In'. The VGA port on the Laptop is for Video out for projectors or external monitors.

Most computers do not have a 'Video In' by default, this includes laptops. You need a special card or breakout box to get video input.

Please also note, do not repeat answers that have already been covered.

I mean, since programs like Maxivista (which is EXPENSIVE for what it does) can do it over the network, I thought there would be some form of remote controller within Windows 7 for other Windows 7 computers within the network and were connected via homegroup (but maybe would require a password or something).

Laptops don't have video-in ports as mentioned above. Your best bet, given LCD prices, is to just get a second monitor.

Actually, I clarified the answer because if someone asks if it is possible to do something like that, it should be explained further why it cannot be done.

Secondly, you are referring to a program, not what the person is trying to do with a cable that is currently physically impossible to do.

Microsoft provided software in the Operating System is not going to do what you are suggesting either. The only thing Windows has provided so far is Remote Desktop Connection which will allow you to connect to a remote computer, or Remote Assistance to share screens with another or friend. At best, the Remote Desktop Connection that Windows 7 has will provide 'multi-monitor' support with Windows 7 or 2008 based systems, IE: If you have a multiple displays on your computer, you can connect to another Windows 7 computer or 2008 machine and make use of your multiple monitor setup with that computer, but that is about it.

Only third party programs, such as the one you mention, where coders put in a lot of effort to do something of that nature, and will charge a fair amount of money for, will provide that solution. In this case, this is one of those 'rarely done' type configurations and never considered by other groups.