Reader Question: Using Media Center with Two Displays
Question:
New question - after successfully using your steps to set up dual monitors with Windows XP, moving programs and tasks across both screens works fine. Except, when I move Windows Media Center to the secondary monitor it will not allow the cursor to move back to the primary screen. So, when running media center on the secondary monitor, I am restricted to that monitor. Any ideas? Thanks
Answer:
Unfortunately, that’s a limitation of Media Center. Media Center just isn’t designed to work with two monitors.
This is a common request, though, because people want to be able to hook their computer up to a TV and use it like a Media Center should be used, but also be able to log on to the computer with a keyboard and mouse to browse the web and check their e-mail. Can’t be done.
What you can do, however, is get a Media Center Extender, hook that up to your TV, and use that for your Media Center stuff. Right now, the only Media Center Extender for Vista is the Xbox 360
Actually, what I do is just to use Windows Media Player to view recorded TV instead of Media Center. I just browse to my Recorded TV folder, double-click the file to play it in Windows Media Player, and maximize Media Player to one of my two monitors. Then, I’m free to use the other monitor however I want. This is perfect for single-user environments, however, you can’t give the Media Center remote to another user and let them browse TV shows on their own.
Hope that helps.
For more information, read the Windows Vista Resource Kit (co-authored by your very own Tony Northrup). Got a question for Tony? Send an e-mail to qa@vistaclues.com.
Posted: March 19th, 2007 under Media Center, Reader Questions.
Comments: 11
Comments
Comment from jorge luis
Time: April 10, 2007, 9:23 am
i have a problem with vista media center after a few weeks running smooth ..sudenly when i try to see a video gives me a vdeo error message …restart the windows media center i do that but still the problem …i can reinstall vista again but i want to save all the time ..any help please ?
Comment from Brian
Time: May 21, 2007, 1:37 am
I know how to do this. It’s simple and I have been using this method for a few weeks now!
It’s simple! On your secondary monitor, de-maximize media center so it is just a window, and is NOT in full screen. Then resize it by clicking the corners of the window to fit the size of your second monitor. Then, you will be able to easily swich between Media Center and other programs you have open On your computer. I also installed another program to allow me to put the media center task from the task bar on the second monitor as well to make it seem as if it is not even open on the first monitor. I hope this helps. Email me at CleaverStyle@Gmail.com if you have any questions.
Brian
Comment from Mikey
Time: June 16, 2007, 8:33 pm
I have found a method work around this.
Basically you first open the app you want to use. Then maxmise MCE. Now press alt+windows key to switch you your app now the mouse will become free whilst still viewing MCE.
Enjoy 
Comment from David
Time: August 13, 2007, 5:39 pm
Sorry to be antagonistic, but the MCE for Vista does allow for the cursor to be used between two screens. One of the latest updates have taken that capability away. I myself have experienced the problem and Microsoft Help says an update for the optimization of Vista removes that capability due to many other users complaining about their computer usage rising above 50%.
Comment from ryan
Time: October 8, 2007, 2:41 am
I found a program called “The Maximizer” It makes windows think MCE is running windowed so you can move the mouse freely, But it runs MCE in full screen.
Comment from Mr. Q
Time: November 6, 2007, 1:19 am
Ryan,
Can you send me “The Maximizer” program. I’m having trouble finding it.
Thanks,
Q
qduong00@gmail.com
Comment from Lisa
Time: December 21, 2007, 12:05 pm
I cannot de-maximize my media center it is either full screen or totally minimized. How do I fix that?
Comment from synapze
Time: January 19, 2008, 9:00 am
I run Windows Vista Home Premium. I have all updates installed as of today (as far as I know). This works for me, I haven’t tested this on other Vista systems. Run Windows Media Center full screen. Just press the ‘windows’ button and your start menu will pop up. Now your cursor will move back to your main display and will move back to the 2nd display as well from now on. Hope this works for other people.
Comment from synapze
Time: January 19, 2008, 9:02 am
oh yea, but you’ll probably have to do that each time you run Windows Media Center….
Comment from Tim B
Time: February 25, 2008, 7:47 am
The workaround is to move MC to whichever monitor you want it on while it’s windowed, ALT+ENTER to full screen it, and then hit the window key (or ALT+TAB). Mouse becomes free until you next click anything on MC (but you can just window key again to get out again).
What’s silly though is that MS ignore this problem. Windows Media Player has a multimonitor problem too, where when full screened, it will leave window borders on the next monitor.
MS need to wake up to the multimonitor days. 2+ screens isn’t just for high end custom systems anymore. Even most Linux apps have considered multiple monitor bugs as semi-serious for 10 years.
Comment from number_one
Time: March 18, 2008, 3:29 am
The poster who mentioned “The Maximizer” program got its name wrong. It’s called the Maxifier. Google that and it should come up as one of the top links.
Write a comment