Use of VGA cables

[wdrbbq]

I have an Acer Aspire 5517 laptop which I connect to a 23 inch Polaroid TV with a Belkin VGA cable. The problem is that using the cable invariably scrambles my screen icons. I have to manually restore them to their original positions. It's a real pain. I've tried several downloads that claim to hold icons where they belong with only partial success. My question is this: Is there a way to avoid this from happening when I use my VGA cable? It must change the resolution but I don't know why or how to avoid it. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

[howste]

Look at the screen resolution while it's connected to the TV, then make sure that it's set to that same resolution when it's not connected to the TV. Hopefully that would do it.

[wdrbbq]

Ok. One last thing. How do I check the resolution?

[paul9]

Depends on the operating system you are using. The T.V. will usually flash a display info box with the resolution in use, as it finds the signal from the laptop, though. Probably 1360 x 768 or 1366 x 768 for a widescreen LCD T.V.

[wdrbbq]

Ok. Thanks.

[howste]

In Windows 7, right-click on the desktop and select screen resolution. For other earlier operating systems, also right-click, but I don't remember off the top of my head which option to click. Maybe display settings?

[tony_j15]

If it's an installed option. Otherwise right click > properties > display tab.

[wdrbbq]

Thanks guys. Not on that laptop at the moment but I'll get it done when I get back to it. I've got Windows 7. I should have mentioned that. Thanks again.