Function Key to activate display to external monitor

How about looking at a screen?

Use an external monitor

Briefly;

Your laptop has an external display device port. (Connector)
I do not know what it is, because you didn't state the laptop manufacturer name, and model number; Elizabeth

It may be a VGA port, or HDMI port, or Mini-HDMI port; or DVI port

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_Connector

(Scroll down for VGA Cable example)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

(You can click on any photo, and it will enlarge)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HDMI_Connector.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Laptop OFF, monitor OFF, connect the external display device to the laptop.
(VGA = Monitor. DVI = Monitor. HDMI, and Mini-HDMI usually = HDTV. They all compromise an external display device)

Turn the monitor/HDTV on.
Turn the laptop on.
By factory default settings, the display should show on the external display device.
IF not;

There are at least 3 display options. For this example I'm going to use a VGA monitor.
(For a VGA monitor you can use a CRT type of monitor. Looks like a small TV. Or you can use a flat LCD screen monitor, if it has a VGA Cable attached)

The basic 3 display options using a VGA monitor are;
1) Internal monitor of laptop ONLY
2) Internal monitor of laptop AND external VGA monitor
3) External VGA monitor ONLY

Hold the Fn key down, and at the SAME time tap once on the Display Toggle-Over key.

Which key is that? Dunno. Laptop manufacturer name, and ......................

It will be one of the F keys at the top. F1 through F12.
The Function key will have a monitor icon on it, and usually an arrow on one side........Or perhaps two monitor icons sitting side by side.
(Empty rectangle is a monitor icon)

Still no display on external display device?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the Display Toggle-Over key

[If memory serves for Display Toggle-Over key;
HP = F4
Acer = F5
Toshiba = F5
IBM/Lenovo = F8

Don't write that in stone, however.......]

Once you post the manufacturer name, and model number; then I can guide you step by step.

Post back in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=4043282&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us

Product information > Product specifications > Product specifications;

External Ports:
1 VGA (15-pin)

Manuals > Notebook Tour - Windows 7;

Left-side Components - External Monitor Port
Left/Rear side of laptop,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector

You can use a CRT type of monitor (Looks like a small TV), or a flat LCD screen monitor if it has a VGA cable.

(You can also use an HDTV if it has an HDMI port, and you have an HDMI cable. The HDMI port is on the Left side of the laptop, too.

{Don't buy an HDMI cable that is expensive. Just a waste of money.
Those gold plated parts are just a little bit better, than an HDMI cable that doesn't have it. $20 for an HDMI cable is PLENTY. (12 Feet) I use one's that cost less )

A) Laptop OFF, monitor (External display device) OFF.
Connect the VGA monitor to the VGA port, on the laptop.

Turn the monitor on. If a CRT type allow it to warm up.
Turn the laptop on.

There ARE at least 3 display options available;

1) Internal monitor ONLY
2) Internal monitor AND external display device (VGA monitor in this example)
3) External display device ONLY

Press, and hold the Fn key down, tap once on the F4 key.
(The F4 key is the Display Toggle-Over key)

Wait a few seconds.
Still no?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the F4 key.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

use some special function key combination you activate it for output vedio device such key combication start fn key + function key to display output

Hello,
You shouldn't need to install software for a monitor to work. What you may have to do though, is configure your display settings to allow an external display. Your laptop might have a function key to do this. Try clicking the function key + the key that looks like a monitor display on your laptops keyboard. This should activate the external display port. You might also try going into the control panel, select display and enable the secondary display. Also a 17 inch display probably has a screen resolution of 1024x768 or 1280x1024 so make sure you don't set the resolution any higher then that or the display might not show anything.
Chris

Hi.

Sure you can with a standard VGA video cable.

Maybe you will have to change your screen resolution to get the best display layout.

Hope it helps!

Your laptop may very well have a function key that turns the VGA socket on at the back of the laptop.
Also you will need to check in display properties that the secondary monitor is enabled.
If you need more help post a comment with the make a model of your laptop.

1. Identify the VGA port on the laptop (check all sides) It'll look like this:
2. Connect your Monitor cable to this port and turn it on.
3. Now you need to switch your laptop display to the external monitor. Identify the Function key (F1 to F12) that has a monitor icon on it. Press Fn + that function key with the monitor icon. Wait 5 to 10 seconds and check if the display comes on on your monitor. If not press the key combination again.
   

If your laptop doesn't automatically detect the external monitor, there will be a function key you need to press to activate the external monitor connector. It's often on the top row of keys, but different manufacturers put their function keys wherever they like. The key will normally have a marking that looks like a little monitor screen. Connect your external monitor, hold down the F or Fn key and press the monitor key when you find it. Usually the first press will turn on the external monitor and turn off the laptop screen, then the second press turns the laptop screen back on. Some brands or models may not turn off the laptop display, though.

Many laptop computers do not automatically turn on their external
video port when a projector is connected. On many laptops, the activation function key is labeled with an icon or the text CRT/LCD.

Try the Function Key with the Icon of a monitor to enable the external video port.

If that does work, look at the settings on the projector using the buttons on the top.

Check the "Default Source"

Default Source toggles among Computer 1 analog, Computer 1 digital, Computer 2, and Video. This determines which source the projector checks first for active video during power-up. Highlight Default Source and click the left or right mouse button to toggle
among the options.

The easiest is to connect a standard CRT monitor to the external video port. Enable this from the laptop using the function key. One of the functions keys should have what looks like the outline of a standard monitor on it. Using the CTRL key and that function key will turn on that video port.
Dan