Windows7 not setecting second monitor

[J565]

Hi I'm pretty computer illiterate and could use some help please. I tried connecting a second monitor and it shows the same image on both screens. I want to be able to open different windows in each screen.

The back of the computer only has one outlet so I'm using a splitter, both for VGA.

Dell computer.

I tried, screen resolution>detect . all it shows is one monitor.

I'm running Windows7 Home Premium.

Under Device Manager>display adapters, it shows, Intel(R) G41 Express Chipset.

 

[Urbwolf]

Its because you cant run a second monitor and have it show separate screens and not copy the desktop with a splitter. You need a graphics card with 2 outputs so it recognizes both displays.

 

[J565]

Are you sure about that? Because Dell support which I spoke to first said it should be able to handle it, they tried getting it working and blamed the splitter, so I got a new one. Though both were on the low end, the second was gold plated.

What I'm understanding you're saying is I need to have two outlets coming out of the back of my computer in order to have the dual monitor monitor show different windows in each screen. Could it be I just need a real high quality splitter?

 

[stormy13]

Could it be I just need a real high quality splitter?

No because regardless of the quality of the splitter, it will still be treated as a single display.

 

[J565]

Thank you for your reply. This is just so annoying because the comp is just a few months old and i asked about this when purchasing.

Is there any type of external attachment I can add to it? It's a thin tower not really made for add ons. Or is the only option here a new graphics card with two outlets?

 

[stormy13]

A new card is about the only option. There are other options but they are far more expensive than a new video card. Unless your case is some oddball ultra slim one, one of these,

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100264HDMI Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

will do just fine. not the fastest by any stretch, but it is good step up from that Intel onboard, and will allow you to run two displays at a time.

 

[J565]

Here's a link of what it looks like, if you click the image on the bottom left it shows the back view. The part where the VGA comes out is otherwise a solid piece of metal. Do you think there's a way to install a new graphics card? Maybe it could go in one of the four metal spaces towards the bottom?

Find a Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Server, Printer, Software, Service, Monitor or TV at Dell. | Dell

 

[Jonathan_King]

You have onboard graphics. You are right, that is what those slots near the bottom are. Just be sure what you buy will fit in your machine.

 

[stormy13]

Just be sure what you buy will fit in your machine.

If the one I linked to doesn't fit, Dell should be shot for putting out a computer in a non-standard mATX case. Here are the dimensions of that case,

Dimensions & Weight
Height: 37.79cm (14.9")
Width: 10.6cm (4.2")
Depth: 43.31cm (17.01")
Weight: Starting at 7.3kg (16.1lb)

Dell Inspiron 580s Desktop Details | Dell

which says any card that is half-height/low profile should fit.

 

[J565]

The one I have is Inspiron 537s, but it looks to be the same dimensions as that. It' basically half the width of a standard tower.

Is this something I can install myself? Since the current VGA output is at the top of the computer and I'd be putting it in at the bottom, would it just plug right in, or would it be some complex job to do?

By half-height/low profile, does that mean the same thing or do I need it to be both half height and low profile?

 

[computersplus]

have a look at these the low profile will fit your case

Newegg.com - Low Profile, Desktop Graphics / Video Cards, Video Cards & Video Devices, Computer Hardware

 

[stormy13]

Yes half-height and low profile are the same thing, said both because you never know which they will use in an ad.

Adding a video card is very easy to do. Dell even shows you how,

removing the cover, Documentation

adding/removing PCI and PCI-E cards, Documentation

Full service manual here, Dell Inspiron 535s/537s/545s/546s Service Manual

Then once the card is installed it is just a matter of checking the bios that the onboard is disabled (it should be by default once a video card is detected), and then installing the driver for the new card (uninstall the driver for the onboard before installing a new card).

 

[J565]

Great I think I'm all set now to do some shopping.

Thanks to all for all the help I really appreciate it.


(obv will add to all reps)