Paul,

 

Good question! In order to keep the external screen on when the notebook lid is closed you need to set the power options settings. To do this, right click on the desktop and select "Properties." When the display properties box pops up select "Screen Saver" and then "Power..." Click on the "Advanced" tab and then under the option for "When I close the lid to my portable computer" select "Do Nothing" then Apply and OK.

 

After this you should be able to close the lid of your notebook while keeping the external monitor functional. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike.