Laptop Monitor in VGA Mode Only

[spirocore]

Hello All,
I've been working on a problem with a Dell laptop display which I think(hope) is not hardware related.
The display goes black after windows startup instead of getting the desktop. An external monitor works fine connected to vga port. The laps lcd WILL work in safe mode and vga mode.
I have tried the initial fixes for this problem (messing with screen resolution ,uninstalling and reinstalling display drivers,and using an earlier restore point)
Is a Reinstall or repair installation of the o/s the next thing to try? I have stalled with this step because i dont have the XP disks. (wont boot into dells restore utility either) Any insight or info on this problem? its a real head scratcher.
thanks Much
S

 

[cckens]

I'm assuming this is undocked... though a model & number would help (I'm using a latitude d630, but I'm familiar with most of the others)

The system could be going to external mode only. If you haven't try Fn+F8 to see if you can toggle the modes. This may be what it is, but I can't for the life of me figure how you'd get this in default mode.

Barring this, I'd say device drivers for the onboard video card. Check with Dell on the service tag and see if there is a more up-to-date driver, or replace the current one...

Luck to you! and let us know what you find.

cckens

"Not always my best shot, but I hit the target now and then"
-me

 

[spirocore]

thanks very much for the response (its a latitude d600 by the way)
I just took the palm rest off and discovered the tiny push- pin switch (which puts the display to sleep when the cover is closed)to be jammed in. I ,ve freed it up with a toothpick and will now reassemble. Thats got to be it.
thanks again !