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General discussion

automate "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor"

by chifut Aug 21, 2007 12:47AM PDT

Is there a way to automate this feature?
When you go to Display Properties -> Settings
choose a display (eg 2), and click on "Extend my Windows desktop on this monitor".
Is there a way to do this via script or with a single click from somewhere?

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Possible but more time and programming than most will invest

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Aug 21, 2007 3:02AM PDT

The tools needed to find out what goes on when you do this are called FILEMON and REGMON. You can record what files and registry entries are altered during the changes then write your application to automate this. Most are only owners and don't program so I'm sorry if you can't use this.

The other avenue is to explore KEYBOARD MACRO programs or if your video driver/maker supplied a tool for quick changes. For instance Nvidia and ATI has their toolbar for some quicker changes but you have to research what yours does.

Bob

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Not having to repeat 'Entended dsktop to Display 2'

by coffeejunkie Aug 23, 2007 7:55AM PDT

I use a Samsung 19" flat panel monitor to extend my Dell I600m laptop LCD frequently. I found that if I connect my laptop display port to the monitor and power it up before I boot my laptop, the setting remains. However, I'm not sure if I reset my Display Properties setting before I remove my laptop. You'll have to experiment to be sure.

All I know is that if you leave the setting alone when you remove the laptop, and then use the laptop, even with a reboot, it still thinks the second display is connected and the 2nd program you start gets pops onto the non-existent 2nd display. You'll know that when you can move your mouse cursor pass the right or left edge of your LCD.

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