I finally got it working!
I promised someone I would share the how-to.
Since I suggest printing it because much of it is done in the command terminal, I am attaching as a text file.
I am also including my xorg.conf, which you can use and hack to your heart's content, but I offer here with the wfm caveate: it worked for me, what else do you want?
Just a heads-up, the solution DOES use Envy, so unfortunately it will be easy. This solutions is specifically for the NVIDIA GeForce 6600GT card. It may work for other NVIDIA cards if they are between 2 and 5 years old - but I can only vouch for my card. Also, this has taken a couple of days to figure out, so I am somewhere between tired and wired. You will have to put up with my sense of humor - don't worry, its PG13.
If you have been struggling to get your video card working like it used to, and this how-to doesn't work for you, I will be cross-linking other threads and/or bugs I have tripped over on the way here - maybe someone else will uncover something along the way. Stick with it, and everyone know what you figure out. It's good karma.
Thanks to those that helped me get it working - you know who you are - enjoy what remains of your weekend!
These are other threads or bugs that I have tripped over while trying to get my system back to normal. Most appear to be directly related. Others are only slightly tangential.
Cross posts:
dual monitor issue
Bug #220374 in linux-restricted-modules-2.6.24
nvidia 6600 not supported
Nidia 6600GT Drivers, never getting the right resolutions, only when booting in safe mode
Dual Monitors Working, can't drag windows between them
nvidia legacy and screen resolution
Did you have problems getting the proprietary Nvidia drivers going in Hardy?
Nvidia driver problems
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