Projector display failure PPT 2003 / Windows XP Pro

[Speaker]

I have successfully used LCD projectors and Microsoft Powerpoint / Windows
for more than a decade. I am a public speaker. Four weeks ago, I had a
massive failure on my Dell Inspiron 6000 which caused the projector to work
only if I used FN F8 to switch to projector only mode OR FN F8 to return to
computer only mode. The display will not appear simultaneously under any
circumstances. I have tried two different projectors. I have looked on the
Windows website in case there are driver downloads or something to help me
and I've gotten nowhere. My software is all up to date with Windows - I check
it online frequently. I've never had FN F8 fail before. I have tried changing
cables, etc. Any ideas?

 

[Rae Drysdale]

Did you check that the dual display is still activated? With the projector
attached, right-click on the destop and select Display Properties and check
on the Settings tab. A further check Powerpoint Slide Show | Set Up show and
the multiple monitors area.

 

[Speaker]

Thanks, I'll check and advise within 24 hours. I sure appreciate the
suggestion.

 

[Speaker]

I probably asked the question in the wrong place because this doesn't happen
just with PowerPoint. It happens in general. Today, booting up the computer,
with projector running, I had brief moment where it displayed on both. As
soon as I clicked user name / profile and it loaded my icons, it went blank
(before icons loaded). I'm the only regular user on this computer (spousal
unit uses it occasionally). I'll try his profile but I'm not optimistic, as
it was under my profile the first failure occurred. The dual display is
activated, I think - I had the choice of something called PCI\VEN1002&l . . .
and I was afraid to choose that. I have no idea what it is. Rae, thanks for
your help - I appreciate any more feedback you might have.

 

[Rae Drysdale]

Many laptops will lose the dual display setting when closed down, or when
used when second monitor us not present. It needs to be set each time the
computer is in use with a projector. On booting up it is normal to see
display on both momentarily. I don't think your dual display is activated. On
the desktop, right-click and select Properties and on the Settings tab click
to Extend my Windows ... You can use the identify button to identify which
display is laptop and which projector. Laptop should be 1.