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Extending start menu on both monitors

post #1 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I've been wondering about this for a long time, and I haven't thought it was possible without using the monitors in horizontal span, which I don't want to do.

I thought that until I saw the post your notebook's desktop screenshot thread. I don't remember who it was, but someone had a dual monitor screenie, with the start menu spanned across both. Does anyone know how to do this?
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post #2 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:16pm
As far as I know it has to be in Horizontal spanning to do that (I've never had it do that in any other mode I've tried).

edit: clone will also work for obvious reasons
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post #3 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:19pm
download a free program called ultramon. It creates an additional taskbar on the extra monitor, but leaves all of the other things(system tray icons and clock and start button and quicklaunch) on the primary monitor. It's only free for like 30 days, and you do have the option to buy it, well worth the price.
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post #4 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:22pm
is it just a fake task bar? for looks? or does it tie into the windows taskbar so that programs will go onto it when the regular taskbar is full.

Also wondering if WindowBlinds will skin it like the regular one. I may have to download it and find out
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post #5 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:27pm
no, it's a complete taskbar for the secondary monitor. if you have open programs on the primary, the taskbar buttons are on the primary monitors taskbar, and the open programs on the secondary monitor are on the secondary monitors taskbar.

I cannot comment on the windowblinds, but It does change to match the primary monitors taskbar between xp blue, olive green, and energy blue.
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post #6 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:34pm
awesome. I'll have to try it, and I'll post here for all that are curious
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post #7 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:38pm
Ok..I just downloaded and tried it. It's not 100% compatible with windowblinds, but it does seem like a sweet app . However due to it's compatibility issues, I won't be using it

note: compatibility issues are only cosmetic
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post #8 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:45pm
Thats a shame, because Ultramon is THE best app for a secondary monitor I've seen. Best of luck finding a suitable app though
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post #9 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:47pm
I'm not the OP, he may find it is exactly what he needs
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post #10 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:56pm
I realize that, my comment was directed at you

There are some other apps out there though, search around.
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post #11 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:56pm
I dual-monitor with my 9300 and a 17" LCD, and ultramon really makes dual-monitor usage quite seamless. The best feature is of course the added taskbar on the second monitor. You can customize how the task bar behaves too, whether you want it to mirror the primary taskbar or act independently. In addition, ultramon has various profiles and allows easier use of dual-monitor wallpapers (you can have two diff full-size pictures on each screen for a background) and screensavers.

I don't remember how much I paid for it, but if you're spending the money to invest in a 2nd monitor, ultramon is just one of those apps that you won't be able to live without.
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post #12 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:57pm
Thread Starter 
Hmm.. Well, I'm reformatting that comp right now and instalilng a fresh copy of XP, so time will tell. It doesn't work with windowblinds though, eh? Any idea if it will work with the straight visual styles?
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post #13 of 14
4/11/06 at 7:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eyespii
I dual-monitor with my 9300 and a 17" LCD, and ultramon really makes dual-monitor usage quite seamless. The best feature is of course the added taskbar on the second monitor. You can customize how the task bar behaves too, whether you want it to mirror the primary taskbar or act independently. In addition, ultramon has various profiles and allows easier use of dual-monitor wallpapers (you can have two diff full-size pictures on each screen for a background) and screensavers.

I don't remember how much I paid for it, but if you're spending the money to invest in a 2nd monitor, ultramon is just one of those apps that you won't be able to live without.
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post #14 of 14
4/11/06 at 9:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by blowjustinup
Any idea if it will work with the straight visual styles?
Answered my own question.

Works seamlessly with visual styles.
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