Dual screen configuration problem on Win XP

[nyrk]

Today I have bought a second screen for my sony vaio notebook and after configuring it for dual-screen operation, I encountered the problem that each time I unplug the 2nd screen from my laptop and take my laptop with me, windows seems to "remember" which programs or windows (e.g. firefox) were dragged to or opened in the second screen. So unless I drag back those windows to the main screen before unplugging the second one, I won't be able to see those apps (firefox,..) or folders when I open them on my laptop, as long as the second screen is not active.

I could think of only one solution: untick the "use this screen for extended desktop" option each time I am away from my second screen. But this is a bit annoying.

Does anyone have any idea of some software or some trick to tell Windows that it should open up applications and windows on the main screen as soon as the second screen is not attached? A friend of mine uses a lenovo computer with a dual screen configuration and he solved his issue using the "presentation director", some kind of display management software. I tried it, unfortunately it's tied to Lenovo machines. I haven't found comparable neutral software or software specifically for sony laptops, not even on their support site.

Does anyone know how to solve this?

Thanks in advance,
Alexander

 

[tremmor]

Ultramon.......you can pick and choose single, duel or triple. lots of perimeters to choose from.
find the freeware ver. it should work fine.

 

[nyrk]

Thank you for your reply, that would really help, I will give it a try right now!