How to setup dual monitors with Microsoft Vista

Step 4 Extend the desktop

By now you've probably clicked the "Extend the desktop onto this monitor" checkbox and seen your second monitor display an image of your desktop background. If you haven't then now would be a good time to do so. Once you've done this you can use your second monitor as is, but it's helpful to align it, and set the proper resolution. To align the second monitor in relation to the first one you just click and drag the "2" box until it's in approximately the correct position as related to where the monitors are actually sitting on your desk. This is important because when you actually want to use the second monitor you will need to physically drag the windows you want on it "off the edge" of one screen and "onto" the other. It's easier to see, and do, then explain. Once you've done this click the "Apply" box and you'll be presented with one last dialog box asking if you want to keep the settings. If your screen goes blank and you see nothing then just wait for a minute and it'll come back. At this point you may also want to adjust the resolution of the second monitor to get it to look right.