Windows XP forum: How to reset dual monitors

Thanks, I knew it was simple once you knew the answer.

the same solution

Couple of things.

This discussion is from 2005. Members here tend to 'walk on by' when they see old threads like these resurrected. Also, your problem is different to that of the original poster. I am not sure why you didn't create your own thread/discussion.

That said, since you are here, have you tried booting the laptop up into Safe Mode?

I'm not clear what the problem is. You attached a 2nd monitor to the laptop and made it the Primary display? But now that monitor is disconnected and you cannot get your laptop screen to display.

If that is correct, then is this laptop screen able to display the BIOS screens when you turn the laptop on? If so, boot the laptop up into Safe Mode. To do this, power down the system, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. The screen should step through the BIOS POST displays. POST means "Power On Self Test" and is what the screen displays when the BIOS checks the hardware. When that is done, and just before Windows begins to load, start tapping the F8 key once a second. I don't use a laptop myself so I don't know if you will need the Fn key as well.

In a short time the display should show various Safe Mode options on a black display. Use the arrow keys or the TAB key on the keyboard to highlight the first option, "Safe Mode". Press the Enter or Return key.

This will load Windows with only generic or default drivers, and that includes only the VGA video driver. If Windows loads successfully, it will be a black Desktop with no wallpaper, and all icons and text, etc will be larger. That's normal.

Then goto Display Properties as normal, and attempt to make the changes necessary to make the laptop display the Primary or default monitor.

I hope that helps.

Mark