A line appears on the right-hand edge of the screen after disconnecting an external monitor in Windows 7

Applies to: Windows 7 EnterpriseWindows 7 Home PremiumWindows 7 Professional More

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You are running Windows 7 on a notebook computer and attach an external display that is configured for a higher resolution than the notebook's display.
  • You extend the desktop to the external display through the Control Panel Display Applet or using the Windows Logo Key + P keyboard shortcut.
  • Windows Explorer is launched and maximized on the external display.
  • The external display is disabled or detached.
In this scenario, Windows Explorer will be minimized on the taskbar of the notebook display. In addition, a line appears on the edge of the right side of the screen giving the appearance that a window may be positioned off screen.

Resolution

To resolve the issue, click on the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar to restore the window. The line will then disappear from the right hand side of the screen.