Desktop icons move off 2nd screen after log off/in or switch users 1

[Jozy]

I have a dual monitor system running on an nVidia GeForce FX 5200, Windows XP Pro. Strange to me, my larger (left) monitor, while the primary, is labeled as "2" - not sure if that's relevant.

Since I installed another user on this system, after I've arranged icons on my right monitor, logged off then logged back as the original user, the icons have moved from the right monitor to the left monitor.

This also occurs if I switch users. And this happens whichever user I'm logged into - when I log out then log in the icons retreat to the primary screen.

Graphics driver is 6.6.9.3, 10/29/2004. Looking at Dell's page, they list 5/5/2004 as latest version - I don't know what's up with that, unless I upgraded using nVidia supplied drivers along the way. While the nVidia Desktop Management Tools (nView) are active, I've at times disabled them and get the same results. I've looked through those controls and found nothing that could help or hurt.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[linney]

I suppose the first thing to try would be later video drivers from Nvidia. I have the same card as yours and the driver version is 8.1.9.4 from 2005, that version may already have been updated too.

http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

I'm afraid to update my Geforce driver
thread779-1101703

http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?

http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showforum=26

307873 - HOW TO: Configure and Use Multiple Monitors in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307873&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

283674 - Description of DualView in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;283674&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

List of Supported Display Adapters for Multiple Monitors and Dualview in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307397/EN-US/

 

[Jozy]

Thanks Linney, good tips. I should also mention I stumbled on or had experience with a few utilities that help save icon position including:

EZDesk

http://home.comcast.net/~ezwaretech/

SaveMyDesktop (did not try)

http://www.softforall.com/Desktop/IconTools/Save_My_Desktop03040004.htm

IconRestore

http://users.rcn.com/taylotr/icon_restore.html

WinTidy 2.0

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,17748,00.asp

(requires subscription service)

Of those tested, EZDesk showed promise at automatically restoring positions. IconRestore was a free option adding right click menu items (while pointing at desktop) to save and restore layout, but not automatic.

I think this problem has something to do with automatic resizing of desktop displays. Also, I should note that the two monitors have differing resolutions.

I'm always reluctant to upgrade video drivers...plus aren't there sometimes problems with support of Dell provided drivers vs. the manufacturer's?

 

[linney]

System Restore and preferably the Driver Rollback feature are handy life saving features and easy to use.

I don't have any experience with Dell, but imagine they get their drivers from Nvidia too.

Whatever you do, I advise against getting drivers installed or updated from Windows Updates. There have been too many problems with that method.

The manufacturer is, in my opinion, the safest source of drivers.

 

[Jozy]

I installed the latest nVidia drivers (84.21_forceware) - didn't remove current drivers first as recommended - but the problem still occurs. Interestingly, the right-side icons stayed put after a reboot of the computer, as long as the same user is involved. As soon as I did a "switch user", going to second user then back to original user, the icons migrated to the left.

I'll test that again but it happened during driver install.

 

[Jozy]

A breakthrough: the icons move from my right monitor to my primary monitor only when I do a "switch user" (Fast User Switching). If I log off, restart, or turn off/on, everything's okay. It's as if the switching requires the screen to readjust itself. Here's more on Fast User Switching

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=279765

http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=279782

This doesn't help me alot, as I like to leave both users logged in, but at least I know I have the option of saving my icon locations first (using IconRestore) or logging off and foregoing the problem.