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    need help in switching to alternate monitor before login

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by BMU, Nov 26, 2008.

  1. BMU

    BMU Newbie

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    The monitor on my ACER laptop is broken. I've got an external LG monitor. However I cant view the login screen (on XP) on the broken monitor in order to login and switch monitors. The Laptop has F5 as the key to switch monitors. But fn+F5 does nothing. How can I make the external monitor my main monitor.

    Also does anyone know replacing the laptop monitor is it worth the cost/effort? if so approx how much would that be?

    Thanks
     
    BMU, Nov 26, 2008
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  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Try pressing Fn+F5 before Windows loads.
     
    namaiki, Nov 26, 2008
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  3. BMU

    BMU Newbie

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    I just tried that twice it didnt work. On startup I can see the 'windows is starting up' screen, but then it always flips to the laptop screen for the login.
     
    BMU, Nov 26, 2008
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  4. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    How about, pressing Fn+F5 before Windows loads, and then closing the laptop lid after it switches to the external.
     
    namaiki, Nov 26, 2008
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  5. BMU

    BMU Newbie

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    that didnt work either :(
     
    BMU, Nov 26, 2008
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  6. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    What laptop do you have?? Would depend on the cost of laptop, age.
     
    Full-English, Nov 26, 2008
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  7. BMU

    BMU Newbie

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    It is an ACER Travelmate 4000LCi cost approx $1200 it's ~3 yrs old.
     
    BMU, Nov 26, 2008
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  8. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    I see some possibly compatible screens on eBay for around $100 US.
    Your choice if you want to buy a new screen or if you want to leave it on a table, or just buy a new notebook.

    Try Ctrl+Alt+F1 at the login screen, make sure the monitor has not been disconnected since the laptop was powered on. If that doesn't work, then try press Ctrl+Alt+F3 a few times and then try Ctrl+Alt+F1 again.
     
    namaiki, Nov 26, 2008
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  9. BMU

    BMU Newbie

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    That didnt work either. I restarted the laptop and tried.
     
    BMU, Nov 27, 2008
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  10. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Just wondering, is it possible to go into safe mode and switch the monitor using Fn+F5?
     
    namaiki, Nov 27, 2008
    #10