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Fred931's avatar

Why does my external monitor do this?

Asked by Fred931 (9434points) May 25th, 2010
6 responses
“Great Question” (0points)

Out of boredom, I’ve plugged in the old monitor from my desktop into my laptop to use as a second monitor. However, it only displays picture for a second or two before going blank again. The power indicator on the monitor says that it thinks it’s connected to a powered-up computer. My laptop’s monitor is working fine, otherwise I wouldn’t be typing this from it. What can I try to fix it?

Specs, anyone?
Operating System: MS Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2
Processor: Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo T5850 @ 2.16GHz Merom 65nm Technology
RAM: 3.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 332MHz 5–5-5–15
Motherboard: Dell Inc. 0H282K (Microprocessor)
Monitors: Generic PnP Monitor @ 1280×800 [my laptop’s screen]
DELL E153FP @ 1024×768[the old screen]
Graphics: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series (Dell)
I’ve got more if you need ‘em.

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Answers

the100thmonkey's avatar

You need to switch the display adapter on, I think – there’s usually a Fn key on the bottom row of a laptop keyboard. Press it and hold it, then look at the number keys – there ashould be one with a little rectangle/square on it – puching that key ought to tell the graphics adapter to switch on.

jaytkay's avatar

On the laptop, have you tried messing with Display Settings?
Either right-click on the desktop or
Start Menu->Control Panel->Personalization->Display Settings

Is there another PC handy to test the monitor?

Fred931's avatar

I did something that I can’t remember, considering it was a few hours ago, that fixed the problem. So… yeah…

jaytkay's avatar

SORRY!! I posted my answer to an entirely different question here.

Anyway, glad you got it working. A 2nd monitor can really help!

Fred931's avatar

@jaytkay Actually, it stopped working again. Also, the computer was stolen by a sibling at a sleepover, so I won’t have the time to try the suggestions until she comes back.

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