Problem with display on Inspiron 8500 (no visual)

Question

Well , here it goes.. ive never dealt with notebooks b4 i got it from my uncle when he bought a new one... :   First off.. assuming when i connect the notebook to an external LCD using a VGa cable, all i have to do is turn it on and it should work... then external displays dont work...   Second: when i turn on my notebook, everything turns on, My cd drive is fully functional, and i get noise from my fans ETC..., but my screen doesnt flicker.. lightup, Turn on AT ALL...   Due to my Past exp's with Desktop's. im guessing i just need a new video card.. can anyone help me out pleasE?   Thank you very much, whoever answers this is making me the happiest person alive ;)

ejn63 · Answer

Try the FN-F8 sequence to direct the output to the external monitor. If that works, it's the LCD that's faulty. If not, you may need a new video card.

03codyn · Answer

If I'm understanding you correctly, this sounds like normal behavior. Your post was a little unclear. I wasn't sure what 'it' was...the external display or computer; and which screen?...the notebook's or the external one?   Here is my interpretation of your post...   In your first scenario: when you connect the external display when the notebook was on, the external display didn't work when you turned the external display on.   In your second scenario: when you turn on the notebook with the external display attached, the notebook's display doesn't work, but the external one does.   If I am right...both of these behaviors are normal.   I would try ejn63's response or go into Display Properties and check your settings.

shakes1337 · Answer

Ok sorry.. basically... i tried to connect my notebook to my desktop LCD, and it just sat there in power save mode as tho nothing happened...., (note that i was using a VGA cable and i didnt unplug the DVI that was already plugged into my Dimension 8400)   So basically.. i just cant get visual no matter what i plug in.. and im guessing thats the video card if im not mistaken.. \     Thanks for the responses'

shakes1337 · Answer

Ok so i just unplugged everything from my monitor.. plugged in the Notebook, turned on the notebook, then the monitor.. it sat with No signal.. and then it went black into power save.. i pressed Fn+F8, and nothing happened... my screen on either External or the Built in LCD, even turn on the backlight.. cause it doesnt even light up... i think its safe to say its a video card deal :)   if you have any input post here please.. any help / input is appreciated..

shakes1337 · Answer

yeah... it powers up.. green light comes on.. i can hear the fans... i can open the DVD ROM..  everything.... soo... thanks..

ejn63 · Answer

If you're certain the system has powered up (i.e., normal LED activity for the hard drive) I agree. If it appears not to power up at all, I'd say there's a better chance it's the mainboard, particularly given that it's a relatively old system.

Ray Roughmoose · Answer

Exactly the same issue. Tried changing the motherboard but that made no difference. The processor, video card and RAM are the common components. I've removed the RAM without any joy so it must be one of the others.

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Problem with display on Inspiron 8500 (no visual)

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