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How do I connect a monitor to my laptop?

I have a Dell Latitude laptop that I want to connect to an additional monitor (also Dell, 19 inch).

I've read a couple of questions that say I must press FN+F8, but I can't get anything to happen, the monitor is just in sleep mode.

Any ideas?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Irwin Santos

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Irwin Santos

Also, you can go into the BIOS and toggle between the settings

LCD, Monitor, LCD with Monitor. Check your screen for the options to enter the BIOS

TimHudspith

ASKER

irwinpks - what is the BIOS?

Irwin Santos

the B)asic I)nput O)utput S)ystem CMOS setup is offered to you by pressing F2, F12, ESC, DEL, or whatever keys let you get into setup. If you're NOT clear on this, then it is best to strike the FN+F8 keys as prescribed above

TimHudspith

ASKER

No success as yet. By 'Splash Screen' do you mean "Windows XP" against a black screen with a small blue progress-bar type thing along the bottom moving left-to-right?

My additional monitor just has a rectangle floating around it saying "Dell 2 : Digital Input Self Test Feature Check".

Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

TimHudspith

ASKER

irwinpks - I've got it working. Thanks. However, the resolution on my 19-inch monitor is the same as for the laptop, so everything looks hideously over-sized. Do you know how I can correct this?

Thanks in advance.

TimHudspith

ASKER

All sorted now. Thanks.

Irwin Santos

cool. thank you!