I will start by saying this is the first time I have tried to perform this particular task, however, I am an IT professional, and I do know my way around a computer.
The problem is I can't "extend" my desktop to two monitors, no matter what I try.
Things I've Tried:
Plugging both VGA connectors (one needs a DVI converter) into the motherboard video card.
Fails Because--Windows 7 Doesn't detect a second monitor.
Plugging both VGA connectors (one needs a DVI converter) into an external video card (MSI RX300HM(V032)).
Fails Because--Windows 7 Doesn't detect a second monitor.
Plugging one VGA connector into the external video card and the other VGA connector into the motherboard video card (using no DVI converters).
Fails Because--Windows 7 Doesn't detect a second monitor.
Making sure I have the most updated drivers for the video card (and monitors, where Windows will detect it), then trying all of the above, again.
Fails Because--All of the same reasons, stated above.
Checking the monitors and making sure they work separately.
They both work fine. In fact, when I plug them both into the external video card, they both display the same "duplicate" screen.
Forcing Windows to output to "No Display Detected" but it just puts "what it thinks" is the second monitor, off in the blank void to the left of my other two monitors.
Downloading ATI CCC and trying to manage it that way.
Fails Because--There is no "Desktop Manager link (the link I am lead to believe will lead to the configuration screen for dual monitors and such). Also, this is not the only place therein that I checked. I scoured that interface for configurations suitable to change such settings, but all to no avail.
It may be relevant (although, hopefully not) to note that the two monitors aren't the same brand (one is Acer and the other is Philips).
Also, it is important to note that I "rebooted" my machine between all of the major steps listed above.
What else could be the issue?
Aren't all relatively new video cards supporting dual monitors these days? (I am beginning to think they don't, as that seems the only reasonable explanation to my dilemma).
using no DVI converters
if there's a DVI slot why were you using VGA adapters? This is a long shot since I never had any troubles with it, but you could check your BIOS to see if there isn't any options related to it.no DVI converters
when I tried one monitor hooked up to the external video card and the other monitor hooked up to the motherboard video card (since they each have one VGA port). I still would need the DVI adapter when trying to plug both monitors into the same video card (whether it's the external card or the internal card).