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I've got Windows XP running with an NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT (with two monitors) and a DisplayLink adapter for a total of three monitors.

During each reboot the third (DisplayLink) monitor changes its position to the far right monitor. I actually want it located under the first monitor to the left slightly (-504,1028)

After each boot its position moves to (2960,536). This is a real pain, and I either need to run some software to move it back, or find a way to get Windows to keep those settings.

I've updated this question to describe it a little better with pictures. I also found a similar post here, but it was Vista, and solved when they upgraded to Windows 7. I can't upgrade.


This is what the desktop arrangement looks like after I reboot.


I then have to fix it and move the #2 monitor to this bottom left location. Upon rebooting, it returns to the first arrangement.

Here is a link to a similar issue:

Multi Monitor setup goes crazy after locking/unlocking Vista machine

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3 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

The freeware Display Changer is a command-line utility that can configure all the properties of a monitor, including its relative position to the primary monitor.

For example, to move a specified monitor currently positioned on the right of the primary to the left of it:

dccmd.exe -monitor="Dell 2009W(Digital)" -left

As another example, to list all monitors:

dccmd -listmonitors

You could write a script that creates the preferred monitor layout, and set it to run automatically after login in Start menu / Programs / Startup.

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This is what I was looking for. It worked, I'll just run a script that moves it... it's FREE!!! big plus. –  zimmer62 Jan 4 '10 at 19:58
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I recommend PowerStrip, one of the best solutions for multi-monitor environments. You'll get much more out of your setup, especially since you're using different display adapters (which I suppose is the cause for this hickup).

PowerStrip provides advanced, multi-monitor, programmable hardware support to a wide range of graphics cards - from the venerable Matrox Millennium I to the latest ATI Radeon HD series. It is the only program of its type to support multiple graphics cards from multiple chipset vendors, simultaneously, under every Windows operating system from Windows 95 to the x64-bit edition of Vista. A simple menu that pops up from the system tray provides access to some 500 controls over your display hardware, including sophisticated color correction tools, period level adjustments over screen geometry, and driver independent clock controls. A powerful application profiler can detect when programs are launched and respond by activating specific display settings, gamma adjustments, performance switches and even clock speeds - returning everything to normal when the program closes. In-game gamma hotkeys let you light up the darkest hallways during game play, and hardware control over refresh rates - with floating point precision - ensure you're never stuck at just 60Hz no matter what OS you're using. A quick setup wizard gets you up and running with minimal fuss, extensive context-sensitive help is available for all controls, and live updates are supported to ensure you're always running the latest release. Finally, an assortment of system and productivity tools - among them, extensive diagnostics, PCIe and AGP device configuration, EDID decoding, desktop icon management, a system idle thread, Windows resource monitoring, an anti-burn-in orbiting option, physical memory optimization, an on-screen display, and the most advanced monitor support in the industry - round out the compact 1MB package.

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PowerStrip is shareware ($29.95), try before you buy.

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Thanks for the idea, I think the free solution was really what I was looking for. I have used powerstrip in the past to make my PC work with my projector, and I'm just not sure I want to spend money on another license just for this minor problem. –  zimmer62 Jan 4 '10 at 20:03
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Sounds like you're in need of UltraMon's Display Profiles.

Display profiles make it easy to switch between different desktop configurations. A profile stores the display mode, position and state (enabled/disabled) of each monitor, as well as which monitor is primary (changing the primary is only supported on Windows 2000/XP and later).

If your computer is used by more than one person, you can use display profiles to set up custom display configurations for each user. Whenever a user logs in, his or her display settings will be applied. Windows XP Fast User Switching is supported.

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UltraMon is not free (US$39.95 for a single license), but it is well worth it for the features.

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Good suggestion, however the free route is better for me. I like some of the features they are advertising. –  zimmer62 Jan 4 '10 at 20:05
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