Can't extend desktop...

All of the sudden I can't use an extended desktop.

How can I reset my video so, I'm running the local LCD only? Is a reboot with no cable connected to the VGA port enough?

Are there any apps that monitor the video and vram use and set-up?

Had no problems until today, and now, I just can't get it to work.

I can't send the main screen to an external monitor using Function CRT/LCD and I can't extend my desktop to an external monitor.

When I pull the cable out of the back of the laptop, the monitor seems to sense that there is no connection. When I put the cable back on the laptop, the "check cable" message goes away, but I never get an image.

In summary:

1. Any tips? Worked fine until today.

2. How can you reset the whole video system? It seems very vague to determine what it thinks it's doing.

X1400 on E1505 with Omega drivers.

[edit] argh, I hate computers. The energy I needed to do work in Flash, where I really want the extended desktop to hold the Actions palette, has been wasting hitting Function CRT/LCD and extend / don't extend to this monitor and messing with cables and turning things on and off and... just... argh.

 

Extended desktop has worked fine up until now.

I've tried two monitors, so, I really think it's something to do with the laptop or laptop setting.

It worked for about 5 seconds... then went away. Almost like it was asleep or something. I click off the screen, what I presume is the 2nd monitor... nothing.

I've reboot the laptop and the lcd.

I've considered changing careers and maybe becoming a house painter, but I'm afraid of heights.

:headbang

 

Wow, I've wasted 3 hours trouble shooting this. Argh.

I guess it's hardware?

The monitor senses when the cable is plugged in since the "cable not connected" message goes away as soon as the cable hits the VGA port, but nothing I do will send an image to monitor.

When I hit Fn F8 it blinks like it's switching modes, but I never get an image to the external monitor.

I can't mirror or extend to the external monitor. It senses the cable, but the little LED never stops blinking, like it senses the cable but has no signal. I've tried 2 monitors with 2 cables.

Worked perfect before today. Today, does not work at all.

Any other test I can do before I have to call Dell out to do whatever they do?

It's just not sending a signal out the VGA port.