Fn F8 urgent help needed!

qwerty2

Basically, the screen on my Dell laptop broke last year, so I thought fair enough I'll just plug it into a desktop monitor which I did. Recently my keyboard on it began playing up to the point where it is no longer functioning at all, so I quickly bought a USB keyboard as there were files on there I needed to retrieve for school, and had no way of logging onto my account as I couldn't put my password in! Now last night, I must have accidentally unplugged the battery as it was off when I got to it this morning (I always leave it on) and upon turning it on I realised I have no way of switching from the laptop screen to my monitor! I've always used Fn + F8 in the past, but the USB keyboard doesn't have the Fn buttons, so does anyone know of any alternatives to switch the screen? Thank you very much in advance!

Skatedude

Only way aound it i know woud be to use a keyboard with a fn key. I have 2 or 3 usb keyboards that have the fn key as part of them. a lot of compact keyboards do.
ie
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=47313

bonzodog2

I see two options, but they don't actually help you with the screen:
replace the onboard keyboard
or remove the hard drive and get an external enclosure for it to get at your files

I'd go with the 2nd option myself

sellerbarry

Does your keyboard have an (F-lock) key?

qwerty2

After much effort on the original laptop keyboard, I finally managed to get both buttons to work at the same time. Is there anyway in the control panel now to create another shortcut for switching screens to avoid it happening again?

bonzodog2

AFAIK, Windows doesn't know anything about which monitor its going to. However, you could try enabling Hibernation and configuring it to hibernate when battery level gets to say 5%. However the next time you get a Windows/virus update or install some software that needs to restart the laptop, this may not help you.

I'd go with Skatedude's plan: get a KB with Fn on it. In the meantime, backup your important documents to say a USB stick

Skerries

try reseating and cleaning your current keyboard as it may just be crud under there

5uspect

Dell keyboards are very easy to remove/replace.
Google the Service Manual for your model for instructions.
Check that it is connected properly to the main board. It just plugs in with a little connector.
You can also get more adventurous and check the screen.
Often the CCFL bulb that powers the backlight goes.
If you look closely you can see that there is some faint signal on the screen, but it's really really faint. If so you can solder in a new CCFL.

Otherwise it could be the inverter or even a bad connection.

Heck you might even be able to get the exact same model laptop off ebay on the cheap and scavenge it for parts or simply put your current HDD into it.