Hi i was trying to use the multiple monitor function on my acer aspire 5742z but now when i unplug the external monitor my laptop screen is black ive tried shutting the laptop down but when i switch it back on i only see windows is starting up then a black screen again although if i plug an external monitor in my laptop screen comes back on but the minute i unplug the external monitor my laptop screen goes black again

hi

try to isolate using external monitor,
check connection of lcd cable
replaced lcd panel

Unfortunately, what you are describing sounds to me as though you have permanently damaged the graphics card, as it doesn't work on an external monitor. Because they are integrated into the motherboard, you will need to replace the whole motherboard. Putting the existing motherboard into another Aspire would have the same results, there will be nothing on screen, as the damage is permanent.

Sounds like a faulty LCD. If you press the CAPSLOCK button and see the indicator light up, then you know for sure your laptop is running and functional. Also, you can try connecting it to a monitor. If nothing shows then it might be a bad video card. For a laptop, that means motherboard since more than likely your video card is integrated.

Check that you do not have the laptop setup for external monitor only. Using the FN key look for a function key that has a picture of a monitor and press this key in combination with the FN key.

It's the graphic chip in the laptop. Sadly you have to change the mainboard, so my recommendations is just to get another computer, as the mainboard is expensive and the warranty is not good.

Hi.

Sure you can with a standard VGA video cable.

Maybe you will have to change your screen resolution to get the best display layout.

Hope it helps!

In order to check what is really not functioning. Your laptop have a video port for external monitor which is color blue often at the lower back of your lcd screen or at the side. Plug the CRT or LCD monitor to your vga(video graphics adapter) port to check if your laptop is still functioning. If there is a display on your external monitor that means you have to replace your lcd monitor. If there is no display with external monitor check your memory or ram by unplugging your memory then clean it with a hard eraser the memory pin and then put it back again and turn on your computer to test if already functioning. If the above procedure didn't work you have to bring it in a computer repair shop. Have a good day!

Turn off notebook. Remove the battery. Press Power button. Notebook should start working. Wait for 15 secs. If the screen still blank press Power button and hold it for approx. 4 seconds until notebook is powered off. Then press power button again. Bingo, problem should be solved.

You need to try to isolate the problem. Try connecting an external monitor to your laptop. Press function screen keys. If you have a picture on your external monitor then you have a video problem - most likely an inverter, although you may need a new screen, unlikely but possible.

If you have no picture then you have a system problem. Disconnect the battery and AC adapter. Remove the memory and reseat. Repower your laptop and see what happens.

If you are sure the computer is running then connect an external monitor to the laptop. You will have to select the external using your Function keys FN + F7 or F8. If you can now see your machine on the external monitor then you know it's the screen portion of your laptop that is faulty. If this does not work then the sounds you are hereing are probably just the fan and the hard drive spinning. These are not an indication that the computer is working. All in all, I would say that the laptop needs to see a pro.