How do I set up 2 monitors on a Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator?

Question

I have connected 2 monitors to the port replicator, but only one monitor is being seen in the NVIDIA Control Panel.   Is there a utility that has to be run or should the second monitor be seen automatically?   Dave

ejn63 · Answer

To run a second monitor, you must install a video card (PCI) into a full D-dock - you can't do it with a port replicator alone.

magwec · Answer

What ever you do - don't call technical support :smileyhappy:

DELL-Jimmy P · Answer

Dock the system when its off, turn it on. Once it is booted go into the display properties and the advanced tab. Highlight the second monitor and the put a check in extend my windows desktop onto this monitor and then click apply.   If the system is not seeing one monitor make sure the correct input is selected on the monitor you are having problems with. Most new monitors can accept input from multiple sources so you have to make sure its set to the correct one.

ejn63 · Answer

If you have a port replicator, you cannot install a card - you must use a full D-dock, and yes, you will need to install a video card into the docking station. That feeds the second monitor.

The internal video stays active and will drive the internal panel and one external display. It cannot drive two external displays (you can use one or the other external connector, not both).

You must use a second video card (beyond the internal one) to drive two external monitors.

davek456 · Answer

This explains it.   Ok where do I find another video card, I tried searching the Dell site, but it there an easy place to start.   I appreciate the help   Dave

davek456 · Answer

I am sorry that I don't get this, so here I go again.   I have a D620 and a D\Dock APR, on the back are 2 video outputs, a DVI & a 15 pin.   I have 2 monitors connected to the DDock but the system only sees one. I have read the replies and other posts and there are example of 2 monitors being connected with 2 displays and other posts are saying as well as this thread that there is only one feed (either DVI or 15 pin)   I don't see anywhere that a card can be inserted into the DDock APR.   I probably am missing the boat here, sorry, but how do I get this accomplished, or is it not possible?   Thanks for helping. Dave

davek456 · Answer

If I understand you correctly, there is a card that gets instlled inside the port replicator?   This is even though there is a spot to plug in a video cable?   Is this correct?   Dave

DELL-Jimmy P · Answer

ejn63 wrote:
To run a second monitor, you must install a video card (PCI) into a full D-dock - you can't do it with a port replicator alone.

I am currently running two monitors on a port replicator, one out of the VGA port and one out of the DVI port. You can not use a VGA adapter on the DVI port because it does not have the pins for VGA out, it must be connected DVI. You also can not use the portable screen at the same time.

ejn63 · Answer

You need a standard PCI video card - NOT PCI Express or AGP. Most have reported better luck with the nVidia GeForce (5200, etc.) cards than with ATI cards.

ejn63 · Answer

Be clear on what you want to do.

Do you need to use the internal display plus two external monitors at the same time? If so, you need to purchase:

A D-dock (NOT the port replicator) and,
A PCI video card for the D-dock.

The port replicator WILL NOT take a video card.

I haven't seen the configuration posted by the moderator work on any replicator either, but I suppose it might work - but it still means you cannot use the internal display + two external monitors at the same time.

The video in the system will drive two, and only two, displays - usually one internal and one external, though if the moderator has it working, if you sacrifice the internal, you may be able to drive two externals.

davek456 · Answer

Thanks!   Got it!  Shut down, startup, and followed your instructions.   Thanks   Dave

DELL-Jimmy P · Answer

DaveK456 wrote: Thanks!   Got it!  Shut down, startup, and followed your instructions.   Thanks   Dave Your welcome, glad it worked.

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How do I set up 2 monitors on a Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator?

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