Using Dell Notebooks with External Monitors

 Last reviewed: May 11, 1995
Article ID: Q83507
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are using the Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or 3.11 VGA video driver on a Dell notebook, Windows may switch unexpectedly between the LCD screen and the external monitor when you are running MS-DOS-based applications in 386 enhanced mode.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Quit Windows and change to the Windows directory.

  2. Type the following command at the MS-DOS command prompt and then press ENTER: 

          setup

  3. In the Display field, select the VGA (Version 3.0) display driver.

Note that this change may cause some features (such as the mouse pointer in MS-DOS windows) not to function correctly.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem may occur when the you press a keyboard hot key to switch between the LCD screen and external monitor when Windows is running.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw kbdisplay kb3rdparty kbenv
KBSubcategory: win31 windrvr
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 dell notebook LCD external

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Last reviewed: May 11, 1995
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