External Monitor on Laptop

[AlForester]

I have a laptop running Windows XP Professional. The compter is running OK.
The laptop LCD is damaged and is not readable. How can I reset the default
display to an external monitor on the laptop without the ability to see the
LCD?

 

[Bob I]

That is a function of the laptop hardware. Something like Fn + F7 or 8.

 

[AlForester]

Will this switch the computer to the external monitor even if an external
monitor was never setup on the laptop?

 

[JohnO]

Will this switch the computer to the external monitor even if an external

monitor was never setup on the laptop?

Yes, it should. Depends on the brand and its BIOS. Once you're into Windows
you might be able to config the display settings to use the external as a
default.

BTW...try ebay for a replacement LCD. I just got one for my Dell at $82
delivered...and this is not a standard display...1400 x 1050.

-John O

 

[NoConsequence]

I have a laptop running Windows XP Professional. The compter is running OK.
The laptop LCD is damaged and is not readable. How can I reset the default
display to an external monitor on the laptop without the ability to see the
LCD?

Maybe by reading the instruction manual that came your laptop?

 

[M.I.5¾]

I have a laptop running Windows XP Professional. The compter is running
OK.
The laptop LCD is damaged and is not readable. How can I reset the
default
display to an external monitor on the laptop without the ability to see
the
LCD?
--

Most laptops will automatically display on the external monitor if it is
connected while the machine boots up. Your problem is presumably that the
display size and refresh are not necessarily one that the monitor can
accept*. In which case proceed as follows.

Boot into safe mode (continually pressing F8 while booting - but this will
go to some BIOSs setup screen. Exit and then press F8), selecting VGA
display (the display should be visible on the external monitor for this part
of the procedure). Once booted, if the external display is not showing,
then enable it by pressing Fn + <the display toggle key - check the owners
manual if it isn't marked on the key>.

Right click on the desktop and select properties and click the 'Settings'
Tab. Click the 'Apply' button which should not be greyed out.

Now reboot your laptop into normal mode. Again select the external display
as above. It should display a VGA 480x640, 8 colour display. By selecting
the settings dialogue as above, it should now be possible to set a display
size and refresh rate to suit (depending on your graphics card, you may have
to reboot between changes).

*Inappropriate displays can damage some CRT type monitors.