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Can't extend Thinkpad T61 desktop to dual external monitors via Mini-Dock II

Here is my problem. I have a Thinkpad T61 connected to a Mini-Dock II with dual Monitors connected to both the DVI and analog ports on the Mini-Dock. When I boot into windows, the Analog monitor will not display a picture. I can only get the display to show up on the DVI monitor. The weird thing is, while the system is booting up I see the BIOS and Windows XP splash screen on both monitors, so I know that the port, monitor , and cable are all good. I have tried this on more than one docking station in the office and can recreate the problem, so it does not appear to be the dock.

I use Thinkpad Presentation Director to configure my display settings, but I have uninstalled it and still no love. Any suggestions?

MotoCrazy

This is a hardware limitation. The built-in monitor is using the analog display output, and the external on DVI is using the digital output. As long as the laptop's built-in monitor is running, the external analog out will not. The only thing to try is disabling the built-in monitor. For instance, on my Dell Inspiron e1705 I would press Fn+F8 once to enable the external, then again to disable the built-in. You will only be able to run two at a time though, and not sure if two externals is possible.

You could try a USB add-on called TRITTON SEE2 USB 2.0 VGA Adapter
http://www.trittontechnologies.com/products/TRIUV100.htm

This would actually allow you to run three monitors.

01982

ASKER

It was working and recently quit, which makes me think it is a software problem. When the internal LCD is off, the hardware will support the dual monitors.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

MotoCrazy

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01982

ASKER

will give it a shot and let you know. Thanks!

SOLUTION

MichaelPro

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01982

ASKER

Uninstalled ATI Control Panel (this system had theATI Rage video card), Presentation Director, and deleted the card from Dev. Mgr. then reinstalled the ATI Driver followed by Pres. Dir. fixed the problem. I split the points between you b/c both solutions were correct

01982

ASKER

Uninstalled ATI Control Panel (this system had theATI Rage video card), then uninstalled Presentation Director, then deleted the video card from Dev. Mgr.. Rebooted then reinstalled the ATI Driver downloaded from Lenovo's website, rebooted, then installed Pres. Dir. and rebooted. That fixed the problem.

MichaelPro

Thanks! :)