Member Avatar for bennykwong

Hi, I connect external monitor to laptop and set it to Extend my Desk Top mode.
To bad, my laptop LCD screen is Dead. Only the External monitor show the extended desk top.
How can I reset this external monitor to Mirror so it shows the main desk top.
Now at extended desk top, Right click does not bring me to the Monitor setting.

Thanks a million of prompt advise.
I am using my friend's computer now.

Benny

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Short, practical keyboard methods to get the external monitor to mirror the laptop when the internal LCD is unusable — following up on ’s problem and the points raised by .

You can open Display Properties from the keyboard and change the multi‑monitor option without right‑clicking. Press Win+R (or Ctrl+Esc then use the Start menu’s Run entry), type:

desk.cpl

and press Enter. Once Display Properties appears use Ctrl+Tab to reach the Settings tab, then use Tab/Shift+Tab and the arrow keys to move focus to the two‑monitor graphic. Select the external monitor (the icon for monitor 2), then Tab until the checkbox for “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor” is focused and press Space to uncheck it (this returns the system to a single/mirrored desktop). Apply and confirm. The desk.cpl command and the Settings tab controls are documented by Microsoft; the control works via Run/desk.cpl. (howtogeek.com)

If the above can’t be done because the display driver has broken or the desktop dialog opens only on the dead LCD, boot to a low/basic video mode and try again: reboot, press F8 for Advanced Boot Options and choose “Enable VGA mode” (or boot into Safe Mode / disable the video driver) so Windows uses the generic VGA driver; then run desk.cpl and change Settings as above. Forcing low‑res/VGA is a common recovery step (there’s also a /basevideo boot switch). (pcstats.com)

If vendor GPU utilities are installed (Intel/ATI/NVIDIA) they often include a clone/clone‑display option — try those control panels if you can start them from the keyboard. If making driver or boot changes, create a Restore Point first or be ready to undo changes; if the LCD is truly dead and keyboard tricks fail, the safest route is to use a service repair or external display as the only working screen. (superuser.com)

Quick summary keystrokes:

Win+R → desk.cpl → Enter
Ctrl+Tab → (to Settings) → Tab/Arrows to monitor 2 → Tab → Space (uncheck Extend) → Tab → Apply → Enter

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Member Avatar for Rik_

You haven't even said what laptop it is or what windows version you have.

Member Avatar for bennykwong

You haven't even said what laptop it is or what windows version you have.

My laptop is a HP Pavilion ZV5200 with Window XP home edition, Service Pack 2

Thanks for resolution in advance. Have a good week end
Benny

Member Avatar for Rik_

Is there not a shortcut key on the keyboard to switch between internal and external display?

Member Avatar for bennykwong

Is there not a shortcut key on the keyboard to switch between internal and external display?

Yes, push Fn + F5 key to switch between Laptop screen and external Screen.

I try to switch it, but nothing change. The same extended desk top view because I set the external screen extend screen for few months already. Each time I connect external screen, it will act as extended screen.

Unfortunately, my laptop screen is DEAD due to no reason.
So I cannot change the 2nd screen setting.

Is there anyway to RESET the 2nd screen setting at window start up so as the 2nd screen will act as MIRROR ( Same as the Laptop screen )

Thanks

Member Avatar for Rik_

Can you right click on the backdrop and select properties and set the external to primary display?

Member Avatar for bennykwong

Can you right click on the backdrop and select properties and set the external to primary display?

No, right click does not bring up the properties for me to set it as priminary display. That is why I wounder if anyway to RESET the 2nd screen in window to factory default. So I can toggle between Laptop screen and external screen.

Member Avatar for bennykwong

Hi, Rik

How about I disconnect the 2nd monitor.
Since the lap top LCD is dead. I cannnot use MOUSE to bring up desk top property to set external monitor.

I do not have another Lap top with Window XP.
Can you help me to list the " Keyboard comand sequence such that I can reset the external monitor to work as mirror ?

Thanks

Member Avatar for Rik_

I don't know of any keyboard only method of fixing your problem.

Safe mode may help possibly, press F8 before windows begins to load and select safe mode. It should default to mirroring your display.

You should hopefully be able to remove the display driver and force it to reinstall upon a reboot into normal mode.

Member Avatar for bennykwong

Hi, Rik
Thanks for advise.
I am lucky enough to see a very DIM screen on my Dead LCD screen under certain lighting condition. Not under complete dard room.

So I can manage to reset the external monintor to work as Mirror.
This save my cost to buy a new laptop in this tough economy.

Thanks anyway for the helps.

Have a good day

Benny

Member Avatar for Rik_

I'm glad you got it sorted. :)

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