External Monitor Problem (not showing anything but wallpaper!)

[boyjupiter75]

I just bought a Samsung external monitor to hook up to my MacBook and it does not show anything but the wallpaper. My desktop icons are missing and everytime I open a program on my ibook, it does not show on the external monitor, How do i fix this? Thanks...

 

[GavinTing]

I just bought a Samsung external monitor to hook up to my MacBook and it does not show anything but the wallpaper. My desktop icons are missing and everytime I open a program on my ibook, it does not show on the external monitor, How do i fix this? Thanks...

Are you using extended desktop mode?

 

[makismagoo99]

You may need to go to your System Settings and tell the computer to go to extended desktop mode. If you want to use clamshell mode (with an external mouse and keyboard) plug the keyboard and mouse in or connect them via bluetooth and then shut the lid. Let the laptop go to sleep for about 10 seconds and then tap the spacebar on the external keyboard and you're good to go.

 

[Habakuk]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/351821/