Windows 7 Dual Monitor Set-Up with Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4350

[Juice370]

Hi,

We are having problems on a Dell Vostro 230 desktop with dual monitors with Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics card.

Dual Boot (2 HDS) 32bit and 64bit Windows 7.

2 Monitors connected to the card:

- Monitor 1 LCD 20" Monitor via DVI lead (set as Main in windows & ATI Catalyst Control Center). This is only Monitor 1 when the HDMI is not connected.

- Monitor 2 is via HDMI and this is a 22" TV. Monitor 2 is not always turned on but this monitor controls monitor 1 depending on the setting in Windows Screen Resolution option (right click on desktop).

Problems:

1) When I connect the HDMI lead the main monitor that should be 1 (DVI), now becomes monitor 2 and the HDMI TV takes over as Monitor 1. Although in ATI Catalyst Control Center the DVI remains as monitor 1 like it should.

Does this suggest that Windows is controlling the Graphics Card / ATI Catalyst Control Center and not vice versa.

Q: Is there a way for the ATI Catalyst Control Center to take full control and control Windows Screen Resolution settings so the HDMI monitor will remain as monitor 2 at all times when connected?

2) Because the HDMI TV takes over as Monitor 1, it controls what I can and can't do with the DVI main monitor. For example I have to keep the desktop as extended or my monitor turns off and the desktop and icons moves over to the HDMI TV.

Image 1 is the graphics card ATI Control Center and is the way it should be. Main monitor (DVI) is 1 and the TV (HDMI) is 2.

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Image 2 Taken from Windows > Desktop Right Click > Screen Resolution. This is in reverse from the above. Although you'll see the PC monitor is "Main" its labelled number 2 but should be number 1.

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Please detail any fixes or things we can try. Totally lost and perplexed.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks
Ian

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering an issue with the display configuration on your Dell Vostro 230 desktop with dual monitors connected to a Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics card. The problem arises when you connect an HDMI monitor, causing the monitor numbering to switch in Windows, despite the settings in the ATI Catalyst Control Center. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issues you have highlighted:

Problem 1 - Monitor Numbering Switch​

1. Check Graphics Card Settings:
   • Ensure that the settings in the ATI Catalyst Control Center are correctly configured with the DVI monitor set as Monitor 1.
   []Windows Screen Resolution Settings:
   • Check the Windows Screen Resolution settings to see how it identifies the monitors when both are connected.
   • Disable automatic monitor detection in Windows Display settings.
   []Driver Updates:
   • Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Visit the ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics card manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers for your operating system (both 32-bit and 64-bit).

     Problem 2 - Control and Interaction Issues​

   []Desktop Display Settings:
   • In Windows Screen Resolution settings, ensure that the DVI monitor is set as the primary display.
   []Multiple Display Mode:
   • Check the multiple display modes in Windows and select the appropriate option (e.g., Extended Desktop).
2. Power Management:
   • Adjust power management settings to prevent monitors from turning off when not in use.

     Additional Tips​

     • Physical Connections: Verify the physical connections for both monitors to ensure they are properly seated.
     • Restart & Reconfigure: Reboot your system after making changes and reconfigure monitor settings.
     • Graphics Card Control: The graphics card settings should ideally supersede Windows settings. Check for any conflicting settings.
     If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may also try contacting Dell Support or AMD/ATI Support for further assistance, especially if there are specific compatibility issues with your hardware setup. Feel free to try these suggestions and let me know if you need further assistance or if you encounter any other issues!