If there is no video on either the LCD or the external connection, then the onboard video is shot. Take the motherboard out, and inspect it all over with a magnifying glass. Look for components that have been knocked off. If you find anything missing or broken, purchase a parts motherboard and replace the parts. this does involve soldering components that are visible with a 15X magnifying glass, and a lot of patience.
dogbreath077
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Once you hook up your external monitor it should show something already while you are loading your machine. Perhaps the lights that you are seeing from the cracked screen is coming from the back light of the lcd. I know Dell has built in diagnostics, you can try holding Fn then power on your computer. See if anything comes up on the external monitor.
good luck
ian_tec234
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