Exterior monitor problems with my Toshiba Laptop

Without warning, my exterior monitor changed its presentation, and only the right half of my desktop image appears and on the left half of the screen. The right half of the screen remains black and inactive.

At the same time, the laptop operates pretty-much normal.

I have been unable to find configuration settings that will change this problem. I would prefer the extended screen to appear as a clone of the laptop screen, but would prefer to be able to drag a mouse from screen to screen if possible, as well as, open different applications on each screen; also, I would like to drag applications from screen to screen.


In the recent past, I have been able to view a clone image on both screens, however this changed, without me making any changes to configuration, as per, paragraph one of this post.

Is there a way to return monitor settings to default settings. That may provide an acceptable solution.

Thanks for any help you may provide.

System information:

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium
Version: 6.0.002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002
Laptop Toshiba Satelite A505 64bit
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Du CPU p7350 @ 2.0ghz
Installed physical memory: 8gb
Virtual memory: 16gb

Try right clicking on desktop, graphics options, panel fit, center desktop (might work)
I would reset one monitor first

Try ilikefree suggestions first, but also update your graphics drivers just to be safe. I had an issue where my second monitor was not being recognized at all and a driver update fixed the issue.

ilikefree said:

Try right clicking on desktop, graphics options, panel fit, center desktop (might work)
I would reset one monitor first

Click to expand...

I tried your instruction, however the options were different from your instruction. When I selected that the second monitor be recognized then a clone of the laptop screen, and clicked on apply, the monitor remained with the right half of the desktop on the left side of the screen, the balance remaining black. I attempted to update drivers and was told the ones I have are the latest.

This problem is a bit confusing, because it worked fine up until now. My monitor was able to display the clone of the laptop desktop accurately.

I am wondering if an update from Microsoft caused the problem?

There was no option for "panel fit" or "center desktop". I am unfamiliar with using the shell to repair the problem, but can follow instructions. Can you help me with proper command entries? Thanks~

Wojo397 said:

Try ilikefree suggestions first, but also update your graphics drivers just to be safe. I had an issue where my second monitor was not being recognized at all and a driver update fixed the issue.

Click to expand...

That was the first thing I tried. I got a response that my drivers were the latest. Thanks. I replied to the other post reply with a request for what commands may be entered in a shell to achieve a successful repair. I am unfamiliar with command line for Vista, but I can follow instructions, if you know the proper commands. Thanks for any further help.