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dell 2 external monitor function key

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Can anyone tell me which function key switches the display from a D505 laptop screen to an external monitor? My laptop screen is dead but laptop works fine–I’ve done it before but can’t remember which key did the trick. Thanks

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Clarifications

In reply to dell 2 external monitor function key

Clarifications

Firstly there was a Recall notice for the batteries on this model

In reply to dell 2 external monitor function key

see here for details on who to contact for the replacment

http://tinyurl.com/y6wp62

On page 12 of the users manual that came with your NB you’ll find that the Recovery CD has a complete PDF File on it with the complete instructions on how your NB works and which keys are used to switch between the internal & external displays. Unfortunately Dell doesn’t have a complete listing on it’s Web Page of the users manual so you’ll need to look up you own one or the PDF File on the recovery CD for the correct key combinations required as these differ depending on the model.

Col

This can change from model to model

In reply to Firstly there was a Recall notice for the batteries on this model

But it will surely use the function key (fn) and most likely an F key, such as F2, F4, F8 etc. There usually will be little off color pictures on these keys, stating the (fn) function in picture format. Look for one that will resemble a monitor.

Another thought — most notebooks when booting up will default to an external monitor IF the main monitor is closed.
so reboot and shut the monitor (unless Windows is configured to shutdown or standby when the lid is closed).

Fn-F8

In reply to This can change from model to model

Nearly all Dell’s are Fn-F8. It is a three way toggle switch. One for LCD panel, one for external monitor and one for both. But if you connect your external monitor to the computer before you boot up, the coputer should auto detect the external monitor, so you don’t have to do anything.

Are you sure the problem is not with your video card?

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