Main display goes black when I connect VGA secondary monitor

VGA from computer to HDMI converter, HDMI cable from converter to TV.
Set "connect to projector", to illuminate both displays. When hooking up the VGA to the laptop the screen would go black.

Solution: Unplug the HDMI converter, TV off. Hook up VGA cable to computer and converter. Hold down the windows key, strike the P key, select the display option you desire, Power up the TV and the converter. Should be operating as desired.

Previously when hooking up the VGA cable the computer screen would go black. To get the screen on again I disconnected the VGA cable. By shutting down the converter before cabling up seems to have corrrected the problem. Apparently cabling up HOT is a no no! For me, all similar video hooking up will be done cold.