My work uses a VGA splitter to utlize the desktop extender functionality so I KNOW it's possible... HOW?

[MJVroman]

My work utilizes a basic VGA Y split cable, a 20 inch monitor and an 16 inch monitor. The small monitor is the desktop extension with no task bar. I know it's possible without dual video cards... somebody has to know how.

 

[Entomber]

if your graphics card has multiple output ports then it is easily capable of handling dual monitors.

Most motherboards today have both a VGA and DVI port as well, and most integrated graphics chips also support dual monitors. It's just a matter of plugging in multiple monitors.

 

[rgd1101]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

 

[MJVroman]

So i'm running windows 8 on a much nicer set up than work runs and I have a VGA split, but it won't let me extend my desktop it only duplicates! I can't get it to register the secondary monitor as monitor #2 they both identify as #1. any suggestions?-- Also, my current computer does not have DVI capablitys only VGA and its only 1 pre-out.

 

[Entomber]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

it depends on the graphics card present in the PC. I have some workstations at work that have split cables with extended desktops.

 

[bignastyid]

I highly doubt its a standard VGA splitter. It's most likely a DMS-59 to dual vga adapter(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMS-59) which will look similar to a vga splitter but support dual monitors in extended desktop mode. A standard VGA splitter would just clone the displays. Most video cards now a days supports atleast 2 monitors.

 

[leeb2013]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

see this^

 

[MJVroman]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

Do you have any suggestions on how to use a Y splitter to extend a desktop? I know it's possible, I can take pictures of the setup at work tonight, and post them.

 

[MJVroman]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

it depends on the graphics card present in the PC. I have some workstations at work that have split cables with extended desktops.

This is actually the same for my work. Every workstation has a 20 inch and a 16 inch using a Y split cable. I'm trying to get that same setup at home any hints?

 

[rgd1101]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

it depends on the graphics card present in the PC. I have some workstations at work that have split cables with extended desktops.

you are right.
found a few on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/dvi-to-vga-splitter

 

[Entomber]

It looks like your home computer does not support dual monitors, that's all. If it only has one output port then it probably doesn't support dual outputs.

 

[MJVroman]

I highly doubt its a standard VGA splitter. It's most likely a DMS-59 to dual vga adapter(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMS-59) which will look similar to a vga splitter but support dual monitors in extended desktop mode. A standard VGA splitter would just clone the displays. Most video cards now a days supports atleast 2 monitors.

The Y split they use at work looks very similar to this, but all 3 ends are blue and the same size.

 

[bignastyid]

So i'm running windows 8 on a much nicer set up than work runs and I have a VGA split, but it won't let me extend my desktop it only duplicates! I can't get it to register the secondary monitor as monitor #2 they both identify as #1. any suggestions?-- Also, my current computer does not have DVI capablitys only VGA and its only 1 pre-out.

You have a few options.
1. upgrade the video card
2. use a usb to vga or dvi adapter(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815101012)
3. A matrox dual head to go adapter(http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/dh2go/digital_se/)

 

[MJVroman]

split cable don't extend the screen, it duplicate the same screen to 2 monitor.

it depends on the graphics card present in the PC. I have some workstations at work that have split cables with extended desktops.

you are right.
found a few on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/dvi-to-vga-splitter

So my work setup up is most likely a DVI to VGA split, instead of actually VGA to VGA. Which is also the DMS-59 the gentleman referenced earlier. any ideas on what hardware I could get to run 2 monitors with extended desktop without installing a new Video Card? The computer is still under warranty and I'm fearful of breaking it open.

 

[bignastyid]

Odd that a newer system only has 1 video output. Whats the make and model of your computer.

 

[MJVroman]

Odd that a newer system only has 1 video output. Whats the make and model of your computer.

It is a Dell------- that is a good question give me 5 mikes..

 

[MJVroman]

Odd that a newer system only has 1 video output. Whats the make and model of your computer.

Dell Inspiron 3847? Does that sound right to you?

 

[MJVroman]

Thanks Everyone for the help!

 

[bignastyid]

Yep the motherboard only has 1 vga port which is kinda odd in this day and age. If you add a video card It should not void the Dell warranty. You can get a card that will support dual monitors for $30. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150655

 

[leeb2013]

this is intriguing, whilst the VGA connector can carry relatively high resolution (albeit at dubious quality) so that it could potentially have a large horizontal resolution to cover 2 monitors, the signals in the connector shown here;

http://pinouts.ru/Video/VGA15_pinout.shtml

appear to provide no

 

[evilchild]

your desktop has hdmi port. you can use hdmi cable and connect it to your 2nd monitor or get a usb based videocard if you don't want to open it

 

[MJVroman]

Update gents. I've since added an HDMI Television to my set up. I also purchased a USB to VGA external card as well. It looks awesome!