Keyboard is there a keyboard functions that can brignten the monitor of dell laptop 3200

The video card most likely has failed. The computer will need to be serviced by a trained technician. The entire motherboard will need to be replaced.

Before replacing anything verify that your laptops display type didn't get changed to VGA out only.
look at your function keys (usually top one or two rows ) and look for the key that has a pc/monitor icon. with the machine powered up and connected to the external monitor press the function (FN button lower left of keyboard) and the video/monitor button at the same time. most laptops have 3 settings:
laptop display only, external display only and laptop and external display. Press the FN/Display button at lease 3 times waiting 3-5 seconds between keystrokes. I have seen this many times where the FN/display button keys are hit inadvertently.
Typically if the motherboard or video card fail the external monitor would not work either.

I presume the VGA cable is OK and the external monitor is good.
On the "F" keys, (function Keys) at the top of your keyboard, one will have a diagremme of a laptop next to an empty screen, maybe F5, press and hold the FN ket whilst pressing the F5 key.
That will toggle between internal, both and external monitors.
For more information, go to the Dell website and download as required.
Hope that helps.

You can switch to an external monitor by two methods.
1. Connect the external monitor to the laptop's video port, power up the external monitor first and the the laptop. The video information will automatically switch to the external monitor.
2. If you power up the laptop first then you can switch the video output to the external monitor by pressing the Fn key and one of the Function keys, depending upon your make and model laptop. You can also toggle between external monitor only, both LCD screen plus external monitor or back to LCD screen only by pressing the Fn key plus one of the function key. Here is a list of key combinations for some of the laptops :-
IBM ThinkPad = Fn + F7
HP and Compaq = Fn + F4
Toshiba = Fn + F5
Dell = Fn + F8

If you get the same thing with an externe monitor then your Video card is dead. sometimes it's separate from the motherboard, if it's the case it might cost you 150 USD to replace it (used on ebay). If not sell it for parts...
Cheers

Sometimes the brightness is on the arrow keys hit the Fn or function key and press down on the arrow to dim the light or press up on the arrow key to increase brightness

The function keys are most commonly F8 and F4, but you can look for the dual monitor icon in other Function Keys. If you are using Vista, you are offered a software switch when you connect an external monitor/projector. It is a matter of clicking on icons on your desktop.

It shouldn't be a problem connecting an external monitor to the laptop using a vga cord. Once connected you will have to use the "Fn" button on the laptop and the corresponding "F" function button located at the top of the keyboard of the laptop that will allow the laptop to switch from both monitors or just each one individually. Usually it is the "F4" button.

Good luck

Those keys are your function keys. They might be stuck, try turning num lock on and off. Check the manual, page 18, follow this link http://www.averatec.com/docs/3200_Series_Manual.pdf Hope this helps

Hi, i aint had any joys in repairing 90% of laptop keyboards, but you can buy replacements for them from most companys, most i have ordered in for people are between £60-90 but as u can see is quite expensive, on most laptops u can usually adjust the brightness by using the FN + another key usually arrows on Acer Models. Hope you get it sorted.. John