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Multiple Displays: Windows XP

When Windows XP was first introduced, two things were initially evident regarding the usage of multiple displays:

1) Regardless of what either Microsoft or particular graphics card manufacturers said, many cards listed as either compatible or having specific XP drivers flat out didn't work properly yet with the new operating system. It took some time for driver updates to catch up with multidisplay issues.

2) All things considered, the whole multiple monitor compatibility process got better with XP, and you simply had to do a little trial and error to confirm whether or not the cards you were interested in worked properly. Graphics adapters introduced from 2002 on tend to be relatively trouble-free. However, the older the graphics card, the less likely it will work properly in multiple display mode with Windows XP. (Sometimes, they'll work, but not as the second card in the mix, etc.) And as mentioned in the overview, some older PCI cards are exhibiting issues with Windows XP that may be difficult to ever fix, since some of these cards were manufactured by companies no longer in existence; thus, updated drivers won't be developed.

Once again, you may still have a valid reason to select one or more of the higher-end multiport cards from Appian, Colorgraphic Communications, Matrox or elsewhere, rather than using single-port or less-expensive dual-port or multiport adapters. Microsoft lists some of the manufacturers in the following support document:

Third-Party Solutions to Multiple Monitor Support

Microsoft Support Online Documents Pertaining to Multiple Display Support Under Windows XP

List of Supported Display Adapters for Multiple Monitors and Dualview in Windows XP

Description of DualView in Windows XP

HOW TO: Configure and Use Multiple Monitors in Windows XP

Resources for Troubleshooting Display Problems in Windows XP

Your Multiple Monitor Settings May Change After an Upgrade to Windows XP

You Cannot View the Same Video on Two Monitors at the Same Time

Pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE and Then Cancel Appears to Disconnect the Session

The 3D Text or the 3D Flying Objects Screen Saver May Display a Blank Screen

Cannot View Program with a Remote Desktop or Terminal Services Connection

The Streaming Video May Be Interrupted When You Drag Windows Media Player Across a Computer with Multiple Monitors

Multiple Displays: Overview | Windows XP | Windows 2000 | Windows ME | Windows 98 | Multiport Cards | Myths & Realities

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