Cant output to external monitor only

[Tippx]

Im running 7 on my laptop, and im trying to get it to output only to my external monitor when the lid is closed. I can get it to extend my desktop, but when i close the lid, it turns off the external monitor. I have set Windows 7 to do nothing when lid is closed. Is there anyone else with this problem?
I have an Dell Inspiron 1525, with Intel x3100 integrated graphics, if that helps.

 

[OEM]

Hi & Welcome to the Forum,

There typically are 3 settings:

1. Notebook Only
2. External Only
3. Notebook & External (extend or clone)

Have you tried to switch before closing the notebook lid to both 2 & 3?

Think on most dells its FN + F8. Try pressing FN +F8 to display only external before closing notebook.

Lastly, have you checked to make sure the notebook is staying awake when lid is closed?

 

[Tippx]

Just fixed this, for anyone googling/searching who has the same problem, try downloading the drivers from intel here (I was using the drivers from Windows update before)

 

[OEM]

Glad to hear you got it, thanks for posting.

 

[7echno7im]

Usually one of the function and F* keys will switch the monitor output. I think this is control at the hardware level regardless of drivers. Try that next time.

 

[Drakinius]

I'm having this problem too.

Just installed 7 on my Dell vostro 1500. I have an Nvidia Gforce 8400GM video card. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I've been googling for a solution to this for hours and this is the closest I've come.

 

[Drakinius]

Also..

Also, I've tried the FN+F8 route and it does the same thing. Both screens go blank and the LCD TV (external monitor) says invalid format. Its almost like when the lid is closed it changes the resolution to a non displayable one. Happens with both FN+F8 and the lid close method. I never had this problem with XP. Please help.

 

[Drakinius]

Problem solved

Previously I downloaded the Windows 7 driver from the Nvidia website. With nothing else to loose, and knowing that Vista and 7 operate on the same basic architecture I downloaded the vista driver update from Dell's driver page and that did the trick. I guess the Nvidia 7 driver is buggy...