Black Screen on Dell U2410Extended Monitor when connected to HP Laptop

Hi, (I use Windows 7 and Window+P doesn't work)

Sillilly, as I often do things, I have bought a Dell U2410 monitor to rig up with my HP laptop to use as an Extended Monitor. I hooked them up and no problems ensued. The default 'Duplicate Screen' option came into play and I had the same screen showing on each monitor. So, I changed to 'Extension' setting and the Dell went blank.

This is where it gets silly. I (for some reason) clicked on 'Show Monitor 2 only' (The Dell monitor) and after that, both screens went black. I unplugged the HDMI lead connecting them, and the laptop screen came back as it would. Now however, every time that I plug the HDMI cable to connect the 2, both screens stay black.

My question is; can I change the default setting to 'Duplicate Screen' BEFORE plugging in the HDMI?

OR... Can I simply delete the Dell monitor (driver?) from my laptop so that it forgets my choice and resets to the default Duplicate Screens setting on it's own?

The problem is that when both screens are blacked out, that I cannot change anything as I can't see anything!!!

Thank you for your awesomeness and replies.

Kind regards,

Me!

P.S. Windows + P doesn't work. If I unplug the HDMI from the laptop, I can use Window+P. But it doesn't matter what mode I choose before reconnecting, both screens still go blank. If I try Window+P when they are connected, nothing happens.

194 views, and nothing!! For anybody who may come across the same problem, I figured it out. Plug in a VGA at the same time as the HDMI is connected and change the settings. Quite easy really. Though I did lose several hours before figuring that out... I hope I save you guys some time. Also, the screen didn't show up because the HDMI port on the laptop is faulty. Test that too if you are having problems. It can be repaired at any computer repair shop by re-soldering. Thanks forum for your immeasurable help!