BleepingComputer.com: Connecting external monitor to laptop

We bought a 1680x1050 LCD monitor for a desktop a while back. The desktop is currently dead, so while we wait for a repair, I decided it would be fun to hook it up to my laptop. However, whenever I attempt to connect it, the computer apparently assumes that the external monitor should be the primary monitor (the one with the desktop icons, taskbar, etc.) However, it apparently tries to run the 1680x1050 display at 1280x800 (the resolution of the laptop display) so the monitor simply says "Input not supported" and goes to powersave. I can't reconfigure it, because I can't see what's going on. Any assistance in this area? Ok, I resolved that problem. However, I can't get the computer to run the monitor at it's native resolution (1680x1050). I poked around Intel's website, but apparently they don't support 1680x1050 resolution, except with an optional driver that doesn't work on my notebook. I picked up the drivers for the display off Acer's website, but I don't know what to do with them, haha. Any help?

Notebook: Gateway model MT6821
Display: Acer model AL2216W

This post has been edited by darkslategrey: 11 August 2009 - 04:45 PM

Does your graphics card on the laptop support the resolution you want to display on the external monitor?

I suppose it does, as the laptop will randomly auto-configure itself and place the external display res at 1680x1050, at which point everything works fine and life is good. But then, for some reason, it'll stop doing that.

Does your graphics card support multiple monitors?

ranger72

Yes. I can connect and use the display, but I can't choose the correct resolution as a result of software issues. My question is if anyone has a workaround or instructions to use with the monitor drivers that I found.

sorry ! i have been away for a few days.

Can you give us the make and model of your new monitor and your laptop please?

ranger72

ranger72, on Aug 31 2009, 09:33 PM, said:

You can find that in the first post...

oops! Pardon me!


How do you have the drivers you downloaded? Are they located on/in an installer icon on your desktop? Also please let us know what video card you have installed-make and model number.

Thanks,

ranger72

This post has been edited by ranger72: 02 September 2009 - 02:45 PM