Dual-monitors revert to mirror, and shortcuts disappear

mjs

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I have an Alienware m17x laptop (Dell) running Win 7 Pro 64-bit. I have it set up to output to an external 22" monitor as a two-monitor setup, and the monitors are set to extend the desktop across both monitors.

Occasionally it will suddenly revert to mirroring the desktop on both monitors. After I go in to the setting I change it back to extended desktop, but my wallpaper disappears (desktop is black). Although the taskbar is still there, and works fine.

This also, possibly, has caused desktop shortcuts not to display. I generally don't keep any desktop shortcuts. all the default ones are set not to display, and even my recycle bin is on the taskbar, but if I go to an .exe file in explorer, or even from the start menu, and choose Send > To desktop as shortcut, _no_ shortcut appears on the desktop.

I looked in my actual desktop folder, and all the shortcuts are there, they just won't appear on the desktop!

Any ideas? I know there are problems with Dell computers and Win 7 as far as graphics go, is this just another Dell quirk?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7
OS
Windows 7
Sorry but I can not help you with your first issue. I have no idea why extended desktop swaps to duplicated by itself.

The second issue might be easier. Have you accidentally unchecked Show Desktop Icons in Desktop context menu?

show_icons.PNG

Kari
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor6 GBATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
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