Extending Desktop While Playing Video May Cause Problems in Windows XP (325771)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

This article was previously published under Q325771

SYMPTOMS

When you try to extend the desktop to a secondary display while Windows Media Player is playing a video on the primary display, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Although the sound continues to play, the video may be missing.
  • The video may stop, and when you try to start it again, you may receive an error message, or it may play sound with no video.
These symptoms may also occur when:
  • You try to turn off the extended desktop on the secondary monitor while video is playing.
  • You are using a third-party video playback program other than Windows Media Player.

CAUSE

This problem is caused by a limitation of Microsoft DirectDraw in Windows XP.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use either of the following methods:
  • After you turn off or turn on the extended desktop to the secondary display, quit your video playback program and then start it again.
  • Turn off or turn on the extended desktop before you start the video playback.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/23/2002
Keywords:kbdisplay kbprb kbui KB325771