Windows 7 is detecting a non-existent 2nd monitor

As of a couple of months ago Windows has started detecting a 2nd "generic non PNP monitor" that is supposedly connected to my laptop. I wouldn't mind this but it's causing problems when I actually do try to connect another monitor. I wasn't able to find any info on the matter and was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem.

I tried uninstalling the ghost monitor from the device manager but windows somehow "detects" it once again after a while.

I have an NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 graphics card with the updated drivers and using windows 7 ultimate.

Solution 1:

This may well be a hardware issue.

The presence of a "non-PNP" VGA monitor is detected by just sensing electrical load on the RGB/HV outputs, so a faulty driver chip or short-circuited board can cause misdetection.

If this is the case, having the video card replaced will fix the problem.

Solution 2:

Choose main display. Ensure it is "1"

Choose "Show Desktop Only on 1" from drop-down. (hit "Apply")

Choose errant display (which is now grey, not blue) Choose "Remove this Display"