Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I have an external monitor hooked up to my T410 laptop and only use that display screen (laptop screen is black). I know how to switch back and forth between an external monitor and the laptop's monitor using the keyboard (Fn + F7), however, when the power (electricity) goes out - which is did earlier today - my external monitor is then powered off...therefore, the menu of monitor choices that pops up on your screen after hitting Fn + F7 will not show. Is there another way to get the laptop monitor to show up so I can use it via battery power if the external monitor is not working (due to power outtage or other reason)?

Thanks!
Mel

Using my own T410 with a factory install of Windows 7 and the external monitor on the VGA port, I simply removed the cable and the LCD came back on. If this does not work for you, then I can suggest this:

- Assuming that you have activated the external monitor in the Projector Mode (the only setting out of the four that disables the LCD), press the Fn+F7 key combination, then the right arrow ONCE, then the Enter key

Thanks for your reply rkawakami - I feel a bit silly now...didn't think to try unplugging the monitor from the port. We have power now, but I will manually turn off the monitor and see if that works in the case we ever lose power again. If it doesn't work, I'll try the other suggestion. Thanks again!

To add Ray's suggestion:

Specifically, on Windows 7 and higher (which have the Win+P shortcut), what should always work is:
* Win+P (activate the video output switcher)
* Home (jump to the first option ; the first option will always be "pc screen only")
* Enter (apply settings)