Hi,

Thanks for the follow up.  I'm going to correct myself, the external monitor displays an underscore in the top left corner (like a DOS screen).

But I can't do anything: no f8, f2, d+start button

I don't understand how replacing the LCD cable would help.  Does the LCD screen have to be hooked up in order for an external monitor to work?  This doesn't seem logical.

Hi pvtmert,

Isn't this the same solution as running an external monitor through an hdmi cable? 

I've already taken the entire computer apart and there is no warranty left on it.  

So how is the lvds different then running through an hdmi?

Thanks

there is some kind display-port to vga converters. take your laptop to expert and remove lcd screen from board. motherboard display port is called as lvds.
then get your lvds>vga adapter. try with this. WARRANTY may be void if you do this!

Hi help_my_dell,

Yes, you've correctly mentioned that 8 beeps is LCD failure. However, it is very strange that external monitor does not display anything. Now this could be due to a faulty motherboard. I would suggest you to replace the LCD cable and check if get any display on the LCD.

The only way to bypass the beep is to connect/replace the LCD cable or the LCD. However, in your scenario, it could also be the motherboard as well.

Hi help_my_dell,

If you see an underscore on the external monitor, that means the external monitor is functional and there is a display. 

Looks like the system is not able to complete the boot process. Do you see the Dell logo on the external monitor when you power on the system?

D + start button would not work as this combination initiates LCD test. Try running the diagnostics using the following methods.

Power off the computer -> restart the computer, press 'F12' key on the Dell logo -> Select ‘Diagnostics’ from the boot menu. OR

• Power off the computer
• Press and hold the 'Fn' key, while the button is pressed and held, press the power button
• This should initiate the diagnostics

Hi,

Thank you for your response.  The Dell logo doesn't show, only the underscore on the external monitor.  I tried both the F12 reboot and the 'Fn' key, but neither initiate the diagnostics.

It seems the motherboard is working fine as I can hear it boot and when I press ctrl+alt+delete it responds and the computer reboots.  

I have removed the display cables that run from the laptop as I removed the laptop monitor.  Do these cables have another purpose aside from connecting the LCD screen to the motherboard, and because they're removed it is not allowing the computer to boot?

Hi help_my_dell,

You are facing 2 issues with your computer. First, the system is not able to boot properly. Second, the system has display issues. Now, if the cables are disconnected, then you will hear beeps from the system and come across different issues. Please ensure that all the cable are properly connected and seated.

My suggestion would be to  replace the LCD cable first and check. Else, the LCD/motherboard might require replacement.

Hi,

I have the exact same problem with the dell xps l412z laptop. Remove the lvds cable and screen, now getting 8 beeps on boot. When connecting to external display (TV) through HDMI i can see only a small cursor and the top left end of the external display. No dell logo. None of Fn + F1, F2, F12 works.

Did you fix this problem. I am trying to use LVDS to HDMI adapters.

Please let me know.

Thanks.