How to Hook Up a Second Monitor to a HP TouchSmart Computer
By Ruri Ranbe
Some TouchSmarts include an additional video slot to which a second monitor can be connected. Depending on the age of the device, the TouchSmart could come equipped with either a high-definition multimedia interface, video graphics array, digital video interface or separate video socket. You can connect an additional monitor to duplicate the screen onto a larger display -- thereby getting a better view of your workspace -- or extend the screen across both monitors, allowing you to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Step 1
Open a Web browser and navigate to HP Customer Care.
Step 2
Press "Ctrl-Alt-S" or "Fn-Esc" to find your HP TouchSmart's product number. Enter the product number into the search field and then click "Next."
Step 3
Click "Manuals." Select "Maintenance and Service Guide" or "Notebook Tour" from the list of documents.
Step 4
Select "Front-Side Components" from the table of contents. Browse through the list of components -- including those located on the left, right and back sides -- to find the location of the HDMI, VGA, DVI or S-Video connector.
Step 5
Connect the monitor cable to the appropriate adapter, if applicable, and then plug the cable or adapter into the video socket on the HP TouchSmart.
Step 6
Confirm the monitor cable is connected to the display. Connect the monitor to power.
Step 7
Press "Windows-D" to minimize all open windows. Right-click the desktop and then click "Screen Resolution."
Step 8
Click "Detect" if the HP TouchSmart doesn't automatically recognize the second monitor.
Tips
- Use a DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to a DVI socket. Use a DVI-to-VGA converter box to connect a DVI monitor to a VGA socket.
- Use a HDMI-to-DVI adapter to connect HDMI to DVI. Use an HDMI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to an HDMI socket.
- Use a VGA-to-S-Video or VGA-to-Composite adapter to connect an S-Video or Composite monitor to a VGA socket.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.