Help adding monitor to laptop?

[rockhillmanor]

Screen on my laptop died or somewhat died it flickers and goes on and off. And now it's just black. Thought it was worth taking it in to fix maybe just a loose wire. Computer shop said it is 'not' always just a loose wire.

So, back to the drawing board, I hooked the laptop up to one of my flat screen TV's temporarily. I just bought a used monitor today to hook up to the laptop.

My question is: During set up of the monitor it said both screens where active. Do I want to disable one of them?

I can't take any chances of getting locked out of using this laptop.
So is it safe to say yes and disable the laptop screen albeit it's black but still must be active? Or leave them both running?

Thanks.

[rockhillmanor]

I am not a real big HD, Super duper HD kinda person when it comes to high def anything.

But, gotta tell you I had the laptop temporarily hooked up to a new small flat screen I splurged on for the MH. I guess all you techie 'have to have's' are right!

What a let down to my eyes when I attached the used monitor to it! :B

I didn't jump tight into buying a new laptop because I'm on the bubble about buying a tablet. Still waiting for all you forum members agreeing on which one is the best!

[Scottiemom]

I replaced the screen on my laptop. . . well my computer nerd son did. 🙂 I ordered it online and also ordered the inverter to go with it. Good thing we ordered that part because it was required. There are almost always videos online on how to to do. It continues to work now years later. But until we were able to take it to him, I hooked up a small monitor and used it that way.

Dale

[sue_t]

One of my older laptops had a fussy screen. The fix was to unplug the power cord, remove the battery, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then replace the battery and start it up. Some documents say to remove battery and power cord, then press the start button for 30 seconds, but mine preferred to sit for 30 minutes without life.

This would make it good for about a month, when I would repeat the process.

T'was an HP laptop, for those that are curious.

HP Fix at http://h20566.www2.hp.com/

[wcjeep]

This is your chance to backup everything on the computer.

[1492]

It's not really necessary? If it works, don't mess with it is usually the safest course.

[rockhillmanor]

Thank you very much.

[GordonThree]

rockhillmanor wrote:


I can't take any chances of getting locked out of using this laptop.
So is it safe to say yes and disable the laptop screen albeit it's black but still must be active? Or leave them both running?

Thanks.

You won't get locked out. If you get to a situation where nothing is displaying on your external monitor, look for a keyboard button that looks like a tv screen with vertical lines on either side

this function key will cause Windows to cycle through the various display options, and eventually your picture will come back on the monitor. give it 5-10 seconds between each push to "wake up" the monitor.

another tip, if you have the monitor connected and turned on FIRST, before the laptop, it should default to using the monitor.

[mileshuff]

On most laptops there is a key sequence to hit that will toggle between laptop screen, external screen or both screens. Its a matter of preference whether you disable one or another. Hitting the keys will toggle it back to how you want it later. Usually its one of the function keys pressed in conjunction with the ctrl or alt key but varies between brands.