Laptop: Broken screen (Windows 7)


  1. Posts : 6
    64
       #1

    Laptop: Broken screen (Windows 7)


    IMO Windows is huge pain when dealing with more than 2 screens. At work I have 3 screens and occasionally when I take out my laptop from docking station, it messes up the settings. Takes 5-10 minutes get it back to my original.

    But that is not my question. At home I have a cracked laptop screen that no longer works. I have connect this laptop to my tv and am trying to use it as a htpc. My issue is I have not been able to find settings that disable the laptop screen, and for windows to ONLY use my tv as primary screen. The reason I need to disable the laptop screen is that when I have my laptop open (I need this to use the keyboard/mouse of the laptop), the tv screen is OFF (windows is thinking I'm using the laptop screen that is dead). Essentially I'm in a situation in which if I want to use laptop/keyboard, the default setting is the laptop screen. Right now I have to get the laptop lid closed, but barely open it for me to use the touchpad/keyboard.

    What I'm looking for...

    -Registry setting or permanently way of disabling the laptop screen.
    -Permanent setting that always defaults the tv monitor instead of the laptop screen.
    -I'm only going to use XBMC (windows to boot directly), and would prefer not to have setup the settings every time I turn it on.
    -If above is not possible, anyway of setting Windows to think the lid is always closed?

    Thanks,
    John
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #2

    There is a switch in the laptops bevel, short it to have always closed , check power options to see if that helps
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #3

    Hi John, welcome to the Seven Forums.

    Are you saying that even if you select to use the secondary display only, the TV in your case, Windows does not keep that selection?

    Laptop: Broken screen (Windows 7)-2013-05-20_214320.png

    Kari
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6
    64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hi Kari - Thank you for the reply. I'm not in front of my computer right now, but I have tried that. Played many different combinations, and the settings never stick.

    Dude - Are you referencing the always stay on option? I have set that up, so that when I close my lid, the computer does not sleep or shutdown.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,711
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit 7601
       #5

    a possibly tangential solution, but what about getting a USB keyboard and mouse and keeping the lid closed?

    If you just intend to use it with XMBC (that if I understand correctly means it's basically a media center) I suggest to get your hands on one of these.

    Another option is disassembling it a bit to detach the screen cable, so that it no more detects a screen. It's usually relatively easy to reach that spot.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,269
    Windows 7 Ultimate Retail Box (64-bit installed) + Service Pack 1
       #6

    I suspect Windows 7 is detecting the screen on every boot and thus adding it, so yeah pop it open and remove the likely flex cable to the built-in monitor, may need to remove some screws to get at it under the keyboard.

    Whatever your laptop model is, I would look the info up and hopefully find one with some pictures to go by.

    Otherwise, FN + F3 or whatever the laptop uses to switch monitors is what you will probably have to do or the other option of having the laptop monitor replaced.

    Disable on-board monitor is probably not a bios feature.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #7

    Try this:
    Open Device Manager > Expand Monitors > Find "Generic PnP Monitor" (that will be the laptop screen) > Right click on it > Disable.

    Be sure the external monitor is working or you will have a very bad day.
      My Computer


 

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