Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

My lapto;p won't recognize my monitor.

Jul 31, 2017 9:49PM PDT

the monitor shows no video/picture until windows loads up.

A little bit of backstory. I busted the screen to the laptop in a fit of anger. so, I started using a 20" monitor from a past desktop. no issues. but, I tried to install windows and it won't let me see anything before it starts loading windows. unfortunately, I no longer have an OS on that hard drive. so, how do I get hte monitor to recognize the start up of the laptop?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Are you able to access...
Jul 31, 2017 9:54PM PDT

the BIOS using the external monitor?

- Collapse -
Answer
Bad news. This issue is not new.
Aug 1, 2017 7:51AM PDT

Folks have reported many times they can't install when the laptop display is broken. The external may not work from the BIOS screen on many models so this forces the owner to repair or replace.

Remember this story is out there. Many are upset about the cost.

- Collapse -
doggone it.
Aug 1, 2017 4:49PM PDT

thank you. i'll just have to wait until i can put a new screen in, then.

- Collapse -
However...
Aug 1, 2017 5:32PM PDT

Be sure to try all video outputs VGA, HDMI, etc and try the Function keys to mirror, etc.

I respect all privacy here. But the make, model, etc. might have me share what I would try. In lucky cases I have the model at the office.

- Collapse -
uuuuh
Aug 8, 2017 4:04AM PDT

or u can update BIOS... if ur lap is newer than 15y old there should be option on BIOS to use external. or u have done some chancing to remote tasks. latest graphic drivers should be installed too.
i have never seen laptop which doesnt show on external one and have run some REALLY old ones.
my ques is its either BIOS or drivers.

- Collapse -
Not drivers.
Aug 8, 2017 4:34AM PDT

The BIOS doesn't load drivers from the hard disk so it's not a driver issue.