Dual Headaches

August 25, 2006 2:16 PM

Windows XP running with a dual display. Anyone know how to set things up so that files save to the secondary display instead of the primary display when I choose "save to desktop?".
posted by richmondparker to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

The definition of "primary display" is pretty much "Where should windows pop up by default". Why don't you just switch which monitor is your primary one with that checkbox that does that?
posted by aubilenon at 2:37 PM on August 25, 2006

Doing that would cause the start menu to move, along with every other program. I believe what richmondparker wants to happen when he saves a file to the desktop, that it doesn't go to his primary monitor, but it goes to his secondary.

I have the same problem, would be nice to have a solution.
posted by Sonic_Molson at 3:39 PM on August 25, 2006

I have a dual monitor setup, with an ATI card. You can manually drag the start menu and bar to the top, bottom or side of either monitor (no special software needed, its an XP thing).

For example, I have the left monitor vertical and my primary. The Start/menubar is vertical on the right side of the right (secondary) monitor.


Related: You dont need dual monitors to drag the start/menubar around.
posted by sandra_s at 6:50 PM on August 25, 2006

The solution really is to change which screen is your primary display. Then drag the start menu and the whole task bar over to the secondary display. Crazy that it works, but it does!
posted by Nelson at 6:56 PM on August 25, 2006

I have a quad setup and agree that the solution is to switch the primary display and move the windows task bar to where ever you want it.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:38 PM on August 25, 2006

Response by poster: Yes...I use the secondary display for file storage. Not at work right now, but I'll try switching the primary display and just dragging the task bar back to the secondary display. Thanks for the help!
posted by richmondparker at 6:09 AM on August 26, 2006

Best answer: Exactly. You can move your start menu to either screen, regardless which is set to primary. Just set the screen you want to primary, and drag the start menu to the screen you want it on.
posted by stenseng at 11:47 PM on August 26, 2006