2nd Screen Won't Register @ Startup

OK, anyone have this problem?

I have an iMac running version 10.6.2 with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4gigs, 1067 MHz DDR3 blah, blah, blah...

I have a second screen hooked up as I do a lot of graphics stuff and use 2 monitors in my work flow.

OK, that all being said here's the problem...

EVERY time, and I mean every time, I start the machine it will not register the second screen. To get the second screen to be seen by the iMac I have to unplug the screen from the jack behind the computer and plug it right back in. Then and only then will the iMac recognize the second screen.

Is there any way I can get this darn computer to recognize that a second screen is present without unplugging it and re-plugging it to the back of the iMac??

Anyone... Bueller, Bueller?

Have you tried keeping the external monitor off until your iMac boots to the desktop and then turn it on?

Regards.

Has this problem only just occurred ??
Like at one stage it worked and now every time you hook up it doesnt ??
Have you gone into System Preferences>Displays ??


I havnt got my second hooked up ATM to show you the other Preference window but you need to detect displays.
When its done on the other window i cant show it has the option of making your OS appear on either screen.
Once the Display icon is sitting in your menu bar you can mirror or not.
I only mentioned all this BC in your 1st post you havnt told us if you have played in System Preferences

Cheers

Thanks to both of you. I'll try both suggestions.