Windows Vista Vista and graphics cards

I'm running Vista Ultimate 64bit, using two monitors with a RadeonX800 card giving extended desktop - different windows on each monitor.The problem is that if I shut down and re-boot , the system loses the graphics card settings and sometimes ( 1 in 3 or thereabouts) opens up only one or other monitor, instead of opening up both together.
If it opens the primary one it's Ok but time-wasting going into the ATI (graphics card maker) wizard and re-setting , but if it opens the secondary monitor , only , I don't have access to Start/Programs and can't do anything - not even shut down except by disconnecting.
I ran the same system with XP with never a problem. I have downloaded both the driver which Vista suggested, and the one which ATI provided , not sure if they are the same or which is effective .

Suggestions ?

 

Hello Geoff Hands,

You need to learn the keystrokes for what you want to run, e.g. to shutdown wnen all you see is the rignt screen,
winkey (between ctrl and alt) > u > u (as in XP, I don't yet have Vista)
or to restart,
winkey > u > r

Similarly, jot down the keystrokes you need when you do see the left screen so you can use them wnen you can't see it.

 

Thanks Sparrow, that is very helpful . Can you tell me where I look to find these ? I just tried Windows Help - and it gave me a lot of different answers about product licence keys, etc.

 

For the monitors, first I would try setting them as "clone" (not extended), then reverse the connections on the graphics card. If that was stable, it may then be possible to set which you prefer as the primary screen in the extended desktop. This, of course, depends on DVI/VGA connections.

The other drivers that may be involved are those for the monitors and for the chipset.

Matt

 

Thank you to both. I have printed out the Vista keys page and have it stuck to the side of the PC tower for emergencies.
And I;ll exolre further updatres to the drivers etc.