External Monitor Problem-Only shows Background

Question

Level 1

76 points

External Monitor Problem-Only shows Background

First off, I am a new mac user and just got a macbook last week. So far the only problem I have occurs when I try to connect it to my PC's Monitor (yes, I have the adaptor). The problem is only the background appears on the Monitor when I plug it in (ya know, the blue wavy thing). Sometimes I get the mouse cursor, but no desktop or dock. The macbook recognizes that there is an external monitor, but it doesn't do anything about it.

Has anyone had this problem before?

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Jun 27, 2007 1:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Jun 27, 2007 1:27 PM in response to Tim Romley

It sounds to me like normal behavior when the system is set for "extended desktop". In that mode, the second monitor shows a completely different screen then the internal monitor; no menu bars or Dock will appear (that's all still on the primary monitor). That way you can drag windows, pallettes, etc. to the second monitor and clear the internal monitor for other uses.

If you want both screens to show the same picture, go to the Arrangement tab in the Displays system preference and check the box that says "mirror displays". You can also in that same screen arrange the monitors so that they correct reflect the physical orientation (if you wish); for instance, setting it so that if the external monitor is on the right, you get to it by moving the cursor off the right edge of the main screen.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 2

Tim Romley Author

Level 1

76 points

Jun 27, 2007 1:36 PM in response to Tim Romley

I've Just discovered that the problem is now different than what I originally thought. Basically, I can literally drag windows out of the macbook's screen and onto the monitor's screen. So it's like I have a really wide display, or extra space to put unwanted windows. However, this is not what I intended to happen when I plugged in my Monitor.

I guess my question is: How do I display what is on the laptop's screen on the External Monitor's screen? Right now, they're the same screen.

thanks

Reply

Answer 3

Tim Romley Author

Level 1

76 points

Jun 27, 2007 1:41 PM in response to varjak paw

that solved it, thanks

I do have one more related question.

Is it possible to close the laptop and use the external monitor? Because it falls asleep, so does the display.

Reply

Answer 4

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Jun 27, 2007 1:44 PM in response to Tim Romley

Is it possible to close the laptop and use the external monitor? Because it falls asleep, so does the display.

Yes, but you'll need to have an external keyboard and mouse. What you do is connect the keyboard and mouse, close the screen to put the system to sleep, then press a key on the keyboard to wake the system back up. It will then use the external monitor as the primary display.

Reply