[Vaio VGN-FW11e] Output to external monitor during POST?

Hi!

I just bought a used but fully working Vaio VGN-FW11e with a cracked screen (got it for a good price). The lcd-panel had been removed but the lid is intact. The cracked screen didn't bother me since I planned to have it permanently hooked up to my projekter using the VGA-output.

The problem is that it doesn't seem to turn on the VGA-out before Windows has loaded, i.e. it is impossible to see the POST/loading of BIOS. When trying to restore Windows to its factory settings (since the old owner had left all his files and folders all over the place) using the Vaio Recovery Center something went wrong and now I'm left with a dead system.

When turning the computer on I can hear and see what seems like a proper POST, i.e. the hard drive spinning, the dvd drive spinning etc. But a few seconds after start, when it's supposed to start loading Windows it just stay still, most likely with some kind of error message.

I desperately need to be able to activate the VGA out during BIOS to be able to reinstall Windows. According to Sony this is not possible. But it sound almost silly since every other laptop I have had has been able to output a picture to VGA directly during POST. Is there some way since the obvious Fn-F7 doesn't work?

 

i can't really help,but if you don't find any solution I'd suggest you the alternative of buying a new screen off ebay. it's not that much compared to sony's and you get a fully working laptop.

 

I have considered that as well, but it would roughly double to cost of the laptop and it would still lack warranty, have scratches etc. But sure, if I haven't resolved this issue within a few days I will have to order a new lcd (can be found on eBay for ~$250) or sell the machine for parts. A working blu-ray-drive, working 250GB HDD, working motherboard etc should fetch a fine penny.

 

yeah, a bummer. but do not give up yet. wait some more, look more into it. i don't know if is ok to say that you can post in other forums.
sorry i couldn't help more

 

The only solution i can recommend you is to find a friend with a Vaio FW, then move your hard disk to your friend's computer and do the recovery there.
And after you have finished recovering your operating system, you can swap back the hard disk to your computer

Hope this helps

 

I actually thought about this myself as well. By moving the Vaio disk to my HP, install Vista and return the disk to the Vaio I was (after a few tries) able to get the Vaio to output a picture using VGA. Now I have also set up Remote Desktop, should something go wrong I should always be able to connect to the computer that way as long as it boot properly. Only thing left now is to clone the drive "in case of major " on my part.