My laptop (Samsung N510) screen is broken and I've recently tried to install ubuntu 11.10. I'm planning to use the laptop with HDMI connected to my TV. While installing from a USB stick, both laptop screen (cracked with just light on) and my TV is displaying. When installation is finished and it reboots internal screen is the only one displaying.
Since I cannot see anything on that screen I was wondering if there are some way to type some kind of a shortcut or how to get into the settings without seeing anything.
- I've tried the fn+F4 buttons that has the screen on it, but nothing happens.
- I've also tried plugging HDMI cable in before startup, nothing happens, plugging the HDMI cable in while it's on does not work either.
- I've tried unplugging my laptop screen before startup, with HDMI plugged in, (worked in windows) but then the laptop won't boot.
Is it impossible?
2 Answers
In general laptops and netbooks allow to redirect the output with a key combination. For example on my laptop it's Fn+F5
Look for a key (usually F1 ... F12) with a screen icon. When pressing the special key Fn and that key, you redirect the output manually. So run your Live CD and press such a key combination few times - until you see the desired image on your monitor. After pressing each time wait a moment for the video card to redirect the output.
If your Fn key doesn't work please refer to your PC's user manual. On my second laptop I can disable/enable those keys with a key combination. Sometimes special keys need some kind of drivers to work.
Look to your bios settings. On my thinkpad laptop I am able to switch the default output to HDMI.
Maybe your Samsung does have that option too.
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