Windows 7 Would this be possible (Display related)

[Mortiferon]

OK, so here is what I’d like to do.

I have my Acer Notebook as my main computer. But I also have a test/backup system (an old XP desktop). I have a 23” HDMI HDTV that I am using with my main setup (the notebook), and then the backup system has a 17” VGA LCD.

I want to know if it is possible to fool my laptop into believing that the LCD monitor is a USB device (bypassing the two monitor limit my notebook has, even though there IS a VGA port in addition to a single HDMI port, both cannot be used simultaneously - I have tried it and failed to get the HDMI, the LCD and the notebook's built-in to all work at once), but then also throw on a KVM switch so I can toggle that LCD between the main computer as the third monitor there, and also as the main monitor to the old test system when I need to use it and the main notebook PC separately.

I think I would have to put a GVA to USB cable/display port in first and then run the KVM switch cable off of that VGA port there, and then set up the VGA cabling to the KVM and the monitor to pull it off (I do not have a KVM or the VGA to USB adapter yet though).

So… possible, or only in my dreams? I’d also like to stop using two mice and keyboards, but both mice are USB and so is one of the keyboards (the other keyboard uses the old wire method). So if that won't work without some big expensive KVM, no biggie. I am planning to do this on a VERY tight budget, trying to source at least the KVM at a garage sale or other very cheap priced classified. Don't believe I would find the VGA to USB port adapter like that though...


Anyway, I want to do this because I like to game and unfortunately, unless I do so in windowed mode (which is very slow and glitchy), I can’t surf the web in the laptop’s screen like I normally do which also partially explains my still using the old computer to look things up while I game. But when I am not using that old desktop for that, I want to use its monitor for more display room on the notebook (I am a huge multitasker). If that makes sense lol.

 

[ChatGPT]

To summarize your setup and requirements:

1. You have an Acer Notebook with a 23” HDMI HDTV as the main display.
2. You also have a backup system, an old XP desktop, with a 17” VGA LCD monitor.
3. You want to fool your laptop into believing that the LCD monitor is a USB device to bypass the two-monitor limit.
4. You aim to use a KVM switch to toggle the LCD monitor between the main computer and the old test system.
5. You are considering using a VGA to USB adapter and a KVM switch for this setup.
6. Your goal is to have the LCD monitor act as a third monitor for the main computer and as the main monitor for the old test system. Let's break down the feasibility of your setup step by step:

   1. Fooling the Laptop into Believing the Monitor is a USB Device:​

   It's not straightforward to make a laptop recognize a monitor as a USB device. Monitors are typically connected through display ports (HDMI, VGA) or USB-C for video output. A regular VGA to USB adapter won't accomplish this. You may need to explore specialized hardware or software solutions, which might be complex and expensive.

   2. Using a KVM Switch:​

   • A KVM switch allows you to toggle between multiple computers using one set of peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
   • For your setup, you can connect the keyboard and mouse to the KVM switch and then switch the monitor input between the systems.

   3. Utilizing Multiple Displays:​

   • Your laptop may indeed have limitations on the number of active displays it can support simultaneously.
   • The specific configurations come down to the capabilities of the laptop's GPU and built-in hardware limitations.

   Possible Solutions:​

   []KVM Switch: Buy a KVM switch to manage keyboard, mouse, and monitor switching between the laptop and the old desktop. []Cabling Options: Explore HDMI/VGA splitters if your laptop can output to both the HDMI HDTV and the VGA LCD simultaneously.

   Considerations:​

   • Complexity: Achieving your desired setup may involve a combination of hardware adapters, cables, and software configurations.
   • Budget: Sourcing cost-effective solutions may be challenging for specialized requirements.
   • Compatibility: Ensure that the hardware and software you choose are compatible with your devices.
   While your dream setup poses some challenges, with the right combination of hardware and software, you may be able to achieve a functional multi-monitor and multi-system setup. It might require some experimentation and troubleshooting to get everything working seamlessly.