Posted on May 08, 2008

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Data Shows up only on External Monitor, not on Laptop Screen

Laptop screen is completely black, nothing shows up on it. Can use the computer but only with an external monitor hooked up. I have used dual displays in the past with this machine no problem. I am attempting to fix it through changing settings in the Display control panel. Cannot get the images to extend onto the laptop screen. Can check the boxes to make laptop screen active and primary, but this does nothing. Slider bar to change resolution of the laptop screen is locked, it won't let me adjust it(resolution is stuck at 800 x600). Can change resolution of external monitor fine.
I tried pressing function + f4 but still nothing shows up on laptop screen.
I am afraid toshut down or reboot. What if it end up not even working on the external monitor when I start it up?

I feel like there is a solution to this that I am missing.

2 more comments
urgent_help May 08, 2008

thanks for the reply. by holding down the f4 key i did get data back up on my laptop screen. I have now unplugged the external monitor. however I am stuck with the display profile and resolution options of the external monitor. I want to use my old default display profile but my laptop is treating its own screen as if it is an external monitor and thus limits how high the resolution will go.

it's like this:
monitor #1 profile is a generic PnP(plug n' play) profile
monitor #2 profile is my old default profile, the one I want to use . it has higher resolution settings available

I can't find a way to use profile #2 on the laptop screen. the laptop seems to think that the laptop screen needs to used with profile #1
urgent_help May 08, 2008

Thanks for your reply.
I went into GeForce tab. I went into change display configuration.
It shows this info:

Select the display you want to use:
it has Laptop selected here

Select the display you want Windows to use as primary:
it has Laptop selected here

The problem remains. My laptop is stuck using the wrong display resolution. Hopefully you can give more information.
urgent_help May 09, 2008

got any more idea? got any more idea?
Anonymous Mar 22, 2014

I switch on sahara image book laptop but nothing on display despite machine running. Even external monitor shows nothing.

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Anonymous

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Posted on May 08, 2008

Anonymous

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Hi,

Since the laptop works on the external monitor, then it would be safe to assume that it is only the L:CD display part that is the issue. Often LCD display (of laptops) are working but only that you can see the actual display. One way to verify is to shine a flashlight at an oblique angle to the screen, semblance or part of the desktop could be seen. If the desktop could be seen (albeit very very dark background) then it could either be the CCF Lamps (cold cathode florescent) or the inverter that powers the lamps.

Often, the defective component would be the inverter. It is relatively easy to replace the inverted. It is sometimes more difficult and challenging cracking open the casing of the display panel of the laptop than replacing the inverter. Additionally, inverters are readily available online. It is also not surprising that inverters for other brands/models would also be used in your Toshiba.

This would be a good place to start for inverter boards. This is a nice tutorial if you are considering a DIY.

In some worst case scenario, it could be the video interface or even a loose/open flat cable from the laptop's main body towards the LCD display panel.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.

Anonymous May 08, 2008

Hi again,

I now have a better idea of your concern. Appreciate your postback and additional information.

Pls try and goto your "Display Properties", "Settings" tab, "Advanced" button, "Monitor" tab. See if you can change the monitor/display to "LCD", if not pls try in the "GeForce Go 7600" tab.

1 Related Answer

Anonymous

63 Answers
Posted on Aug 26, 2008

SOURCE: Data Shows up only on External Monitor, not on Laptop Screen

If your system won't display anything w/o the external monitor. there's something wrong with the LCD's backlight. you may have to contact your laptop's manufacturer and check if this laptop is still under warranty. you may have to get the lcd replaced.

thanks.

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