Member Avatar for TRAMPAW

Does anyone know how I can get my laptop (Sony Model pcg-7y2l) With windows vista... which I am not familiar with, to hook up to my HD tv? I have no screen to navigate with so it will be a blind hookup if you all know what I mean??? The laptop was given to me by a friend and since it was a $10 give. I didnt think it would work. But, thought I would post it here and see if I can get some help... Thanks

  • 4 Contributors
  • 7 Replies
  • 125 Views
  • 1 Week Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by khakilang

Dani AI

Generated

has a Sony PCG-7Y2L with a broken internal display and has already tried the keyboard toggle; replies from , and covered toggling and replacement. The following notes give practical, non-UI ways to get video or recover data without relying on the cracked screen.

Priority: recover the drive. Most laptop drives are removable 2.5" units. With the battery and AC removed, the drive can usually be taken out by removing an access panel or a few screws. A 2.5" SATA drive becomes an external USB drive with a cheap SATA-to-USB cable or enclosure; older IDE drives can be read with an IDE-to-USB adapter. Take ESD precautions, keep screws organized, and note if the disk is encrypted (BitLocker) before expecting readable files.

Temporary visible desktop options without repairing the LCD: USB graphics adapters create an extra display but almost always need drivers installed in the OS and will not show the BIOS/boot screen. Some docking/ExpressCard-style video solutions can present video earlier, but compatibility depends on the laptop and drivers and is not guaranteed.

Hardware approaches for forcing external output or repair: disconnecting the panel ribbon (LVDS) at the panel/motherboard will, on many machines, force the GPU to use an external connector — this requires careful disassembly and is for those comfortable with hardware. When ordering a replacement panel, use the part number printed on the back of the broken LCD (remove the bezel to read it) so the exact model is matched. Given the mechanical risks, 's professional offer in the thread is a sensible path for anyone unsure about disassembly.

Recommended sequence: secure important files first (drive removal), then decide between a temporary USB-adapter/docking solution or ordering the exact replacement panel.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for JavaDad

First you have to make sure you have some kind of video out port, usually it's an S-Video port. I'm not sure about Vista, but in XP under display settings there are options concerning multiple monitors. I had a laptop hooked to my TV a while back, but I can't remember exactly what settings I had to use. I do remember that with a little experimenting I had it working fairly quickly. Good Luck.

Member Avatar for khakilang

In any laptop there is a 15 pins VGA output D connector that can connect to an external monitor or LCD TV with 15 pins VGA input. Some have a DVI connector which is a white rectangle shape. You have to get the appropriate cable for any of this connection. Than on the laptop keyboard there is a key with "fn" symbol. Press that key together with F4 or the F that has a symbol like a screen. You may refer the manual for that. That will switch from the laptop screen to your LCD TV. When press the second time you will have both screen appear.

Member Avatar for Rik_

Is it's screen cracked or just dark? If it's not cracked then have a good look at it under strong daylight to see if there is anything at all on screen. If it's cracked then you can get a replacement lcd screen on eBay for a decent price. If it's dark, then it probably needs a backlight driver board which can also be found on eBay for a decent price!

I am a professional hardware engineer if you require advice on changing either!

Member Avatar for TRAMPAW

It is just cracked. I can see light in it.

Member Avatar for Rik_

Might be worth getting a replacement LCD screen for it then! It will also add to the laptop's value should you decide to sell it on!

Edited by Rik_ because: n/a
Member Avatar for TRAMPAW

well... I tried the Fn plus the f7 key which says lcd and has a pic of a screen. Guess I'll have to pitch in on a replacement screen for it.

Member Avatar for khakilang

Than I guess your problem has been solved. Please mark this thread as solved.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.