Unable to set resolution properly on multiple display set up

[Iraw]

I have a brand new laptop (Inspiron 16) that I’m trying to hook up to an old monitor (Dell E1910.) I can get both displays to show at 1440 x 900, and it looks good. But I want to set to just display on the E1910 and turn off the laptop screen. However, when I set it to just display on the E1910, the resolution flips back to the native laptop resolution which is 1920 x 1200. It locks into this resolution (resolution option greyed out) until I duplicate the displays again, at which point I can pick whatever resolution I want, and both screens cooperate. I tried updating the driver and downloading driver directly from intel, but this didn’t improve situation. Thanks for any help.

[Iraw]

Also, I’m using an hdmi to vga adapter to connect to the second monitor, if that matters.

[Bruce]

so the Dell laptop has the HDMI port and the old monitor only has a VGA port?
does that model monitor also have a DVI port, if so, that way you’d be using two digital ports instead of one analogue, one digital.

I’d be getting a DVI one end - HDMI the other end, cable.
or get your hands on a newer screen than that poor old 19" unit.

[Iraw]

Thanks for reply. I got it to work for now by using the “list all modes” option in display properties. Yeah you’re right that I should get a better monitor now that I have laptop with better display capabilities :-), I just don’t like getting rid of stuff that still works (the laptop was a gift)

[Bruce]

good job on the solution.
thanks for the update - will close as solved.