2 monitors linked but only one views...

I have a laptop plugged into a standard desktop monitor. Problem is while I can use the desktop's keyboard to run the laptop, the desktop monitor will not show video clips that are evident on the laptop. I need to know if maybe it is a hardware issue or a software issue. Since I am dealing with hard-wired monitors, I asumed it was hardware. Help!!

Thanks.

 

Right-click an empty area. Choose PROPERTIES, SETTINGS. On display, there should be a 1 and a 2 to show the different monitors. Your video card may be able to show one or the other, but not both at the same time. Try switching from 1 to 2 and vice versa to see if that works.

 

"standard desktop monitor"?? Exactly what does that mean? Is it a CRT or LCD monitor? You have it connected to a VGA port on the laptop, right?

Your desktop's keyboard can be connected to your laptop via USB and works. Is that what you're saying? That has nothing to do this the question about using an external monitor with your laptop.

Open your Display Settings; how you do this depends on what OS you're running, and you haven't told us. With Display Settings (Win Vista) or Display Properties, Settings tab (Win XP) open, you should see two monitors represented in that panel. Select #2 and check the box for "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor".