coln_barnes2,IF, there is no display on the external VGA monitor, you have a bad graphics chipset.Small primer:Chip and Chipset are slang terms for I.C.Integrated Circuit,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_CircuitThe I.C., or chipset used for graphics is a graphics chipset.Proper name is Graphics Processing Unit, or abbreviated as GPU,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPUThe GPU for your Satellite A15 series of Notebook PC, is incorporated into the Intel 852GM motherboard chipset,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets#Pentium_4-M.2FPentium_M.2FCeleron_M_mobile_chipsetshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Intel_graphics_processing_units#Second_generationIt is Integrated Graphics. Primer over.I'm betting you get a display on the external VGA monitor, and your graphics chipset is OK.Video Cable:The Video Cable connects to the motherboard, immediately right above the Keyboard, (F9 key), and under the Switch Cover.
http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/ToshibaA15/SatelliteA15_laptop_disassembly_2.htmClick on the photo in Step 14. The single Red arrow points to the motherboard connection, of the Video Cable.[ Entire pictorial disassembly guide from start,
http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/ToshibaA15/SatelliteA15_laptop_disassembly_1.htm ](Switch Cover is the thin plastic strip, that is above the Keyboard, and below the LCD screen. Has the Power On Button )From the motherboard the Video Cable loops over to the left Hinge, and up into the Display Assembly.The Video Cable has a separate cable that goes TO the screen Inverter, and the main part of the Video Cable attaches to the back of the LCD screen.[ Example of screen Inverter,
http://battery-adapter.com/product_info.php/products_id/3410/vSatellite+A15-S157 The screen Inverter is located behind the Display Bezel, and mounted to the bottom/middle of the LCD Screen Frame]Repeated normal opening, and closing of the laptop, can cause the Video Cable to be pulled on.This can cause a loose connection at the motherboard side, or LCD screen side. (Also check screen Inverter connection)Solution is to PHYSICALLY check, by trying to plug the connections in tighter. (Yes. Switch Cover is removed, and Display Assembly is opened up, and connections checked.With LCD screen assembly propped up against the Display Cover; Battery is reinstalled, AC adapter { Charger } is hooked up, laptop is turned on, and display is checked )Also visually check the sheath of the Video Cable.Damage to the sheath may mean damage to the tiny wires, inside the Video Cable. (Stretched/Broken)The ONLY way to be assured that the Video Cable is Not the problem, is to perform a continuity check (OHMs) with a multimeter, Or replace the Video Cable.Perhaps there is a 'Mom and Pop' computer store nearby.The tech will check continuity of every wire in the Video Cable.(NO. Not talking about 'Geeks Are Us. No techs)
http://www.notebookparts.com/products/description.php?II=57579[ Click to enlarge photo.The Motherboard plug connector is on the far Right.The screen Inverter plug connector is in the MiddleThe LCD screen connector is on the far Left ]I still think it's a loose connection of the Video Cable, or the screen Inverter.Testing a screen Inverter requires a Sensitive multimeter. Read fairly expensive,
http://www.fonerbooks.com/test.htm[NOTE*A screen Inverter and an LCD screen are a MATCHED unit ]Primer:An LCD screen cannot produce light,
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Optical/Systems/BehindTheScenes/Optics101/(Click on the monitor image)It needs an additional light source.A Backlight is the additional light source.A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.(Light Emitting Diode)The Toshiba Satellite A15-S127 uses a single CCFL for a Backlight.CCFL = Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. (Bulb)Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.View the last 8 photos for a general example,
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/Fluorescent lamps, (Bulb) contain MERCURY.Highly poisonous. Replacing a CCFL should be performed by a qualified tech.A screen Inverter is used to convert the power, (Electricity), from the laptop, for the LCD screen, and Backlight.90 PERCENT OF THE TIME the fault is a bad screen Inverter.Primer over.Remember, ALL power removed before working on laptop.AC adapter (Charger), and Battery.For additional questions please post in a Comment.Regards,joecoolvette