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Laptop not Displaying Anything on External Monitor

1333 Views 33 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  MisterEd51
So, it's a bit of a story, but basically my laptop screen stopped working and I was having trouble using it without removing the screen, so I completely removed the screen, including the ribbon cable connected to it. I've had no issues other than my broken screen for about a half year, using an external monitor. But around a week ago, my computer was crashing simply starting up (which never happened before). I waited a while and after a few tries it finally started up, except every now and then the computer would freeze up, including the mouse, my keyboard, etc. I haven't experienced that before. Then, it crashed out of no where, and then it crashed about 2 or 3 more times again literally doing nothing. I was just using desmos for my math work. I was getting annoying so I looked up some info, tried to follow it on the computer with no avail. I tried doing some command called 'chkdsk' in the cmd and it told me that it couldn't fix some issues. Then I read another thing that said to disable any installed apps by going in 'Safe Mode' via msconfig and running an SFC scan. So what I did was uncheck the 'Load Startup Items' box, then checked 'Hide all Microsoft services' and clicked the 'Disable all' button. I applied it then restarted, and now my computer won't display on an HDMI. The computer also sometimes has difficulty starting up as mentioned before, where sometimes it powers off mid-startup then starts again. after it finishes starting up, I can tell it has finished because the keyboard stops lighting up and when I turn it on it actually responds. Normally if I were to try and turn off the keyboard while it's starting up nothing happens. I've tried using the keybind on my computer to switch display outputs, and I've tried that one keybind that apparently turns off the display output, and it does not revert. I'm not sure what to do. The monitor doesn't even detech any input. It does indeed detect when I first plug it in though, saying 'Searching for Signals', then 'No Signal'. I've tried unplugging stuff then replugging, resetting the CMOS battery, and cleaning out the fan, whatever. I'm not even sure what to try. The CPU is not overheating either.
The laptop is an Acer Nitro 5 by the way.
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chkdsk is used to verify HDD integrity. The fact that it couldn't "fix some issues", would imply there is a HDD issue.
Yes I am aware, do you have any solutions for my issue?
Why not buy the laptop screen and make a fresh install of your OS. The model number of your screen should be behind the old screen.
A laptop screen would cost me quite a lot and I don't see the point in buying a screen if i would just use it as a home PC anyway. As for the fresh install of my OS, I am considering that right now, but if there is an easier option that doesn't require me going through extra steps or losing information id rather take that option
If you have a spare HDD you can swap it and install the OS in there to test if it may work. Make sure you also insall all drivers for your laptop.
That's a great idea, I never thought of that. I do have one but I'll have to dig for it. I'll update when I do, thank you
I would start by testing the drive to rule out an actual drive issue. Reinstalling Windows won't resolve a HDD issue.

All of the major drive manufacturers have tools available on their website for testing the drive. If the drive tests good, then you will want to look at repairing the files or reinstalling Windows. If the drive fails testing, you need to replace the drive.
How would I go about doing this if I can't turn on the laptop? I have a second laptop and maybe a regular PC, could I somehow manage the drive using one of those?
How would I do that if I can't see my screen?
remove your hdd from your computer and connect it to another computer and use the program I mentioned you.
That would require me to wipe the hard drive which I'm trying to avoid at the moment
Install crystal disc info on another computer and just connect your old computer hdd and connect it to your other computer. No need to uninstall anything from your old drive. This program just checks all your HDD if they are in good shape or not.
If you're not seeing what you expect on the external monitor, start with basic hardware troubleshooting: Disconnect all accessories from your PC. Connected docks, dongles, adapters and other hardware can cause conflicts. Make sure the cable connecting your PC to your external monitor is secure.

Tamatos
Normally, I'd say yes. However there are several issues with this computer. One of which, as I noted above, appears to be a HDD issue.

The display issue, is likely related to the mucking about the user performed: "So what I did was uncheck the 'Load Startup Items' box, then checked 'Hide all Microsoft services' and clicked the 'Disable all' button. I applied it then restarted, and now my computer won't display on an HDMI"

So again, verify if the SSD is good or bad. If bad, replace it. If it's good, then you can either reinstall Windows or troubleshoot the "self inflicted" Windows issue.
Normally, I'd say yes. However there are several issues with this computer. One of which, as I noted above, appears to be a HDD issue.

The display issue, is likely related to the mucking about the user performed: "So what I did was uncheck the 'Load Startup Items' box, then checked 'Hide all Microsoft services' and clicked the 'Disable all' button. I applied it then restarted, and now my computer won't display on an HDMI"

So again, verify if the SSD is good or bad. If bad, replace it. If it's good, then you can either reinstall Windows or troubleshoot the "self inflicted" Windows issue.
Yes I assumed the 'mucking about' is the reason to why my hard drive isn't working lol... And again it is not an SSD.
I have now run crystal disk info, sorry for not updating very soon as I have been very busy but the software told me that the issue is the 'reallocated sectors count', which I am not sure means, but after googling google seems to tell me it is unsolvable and the hard drive is busted. If this is untrue I'd really appreciate it if I could know, but I am prepared to replace the drive anyway. I've got a spare and I'm willing to install windows and all but if that's avoidable that'd be nice to know.

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Install crystal disc info on another computer and just connect your old computer hdd and connect it to your other computer. No need to uninstall anything from your old drive. This program just checks all your HDD if they are in good shape or not.
I apologize for late response, but here are the results from the software.

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Can you access the bios - press f2 on startup.
If you cannot get the bios screen then it is not going to be a windows issue.
I assume you have tried the FN+F5 combination
Can you access the bios - press f2 on startup.
If you cannot get the bios screen then it is not going to be a windows issue.
I assume you have tried the FN+F5 combination
I'm unable to access the bios, even with a fresh HDD in the computer. I've tried pressing the F2 key rapidly and holding it and I don't think I've gotten any results. I might actually be accessing the bios alright, but I wouldn't know because I can't see my laptop screen and when I try the key combination FN+F5, it does not switch the display anything to my monitor. And yes I've tried with 2 different monitors and 2 different cables which I can assure all work perfectly fine with my other laptop.
Your hard drive is bad. You need to replace it soon and backup anything you have in that drive if possible. You can try accessing the bios by disconnecting the HDD. If the F2 does not work try the esc or delete button.
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