Attach the external VGA monitor

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 106 views

Introduction

Installing an operating system on a laptop with a bad display can be a challenging task, especially when the internal display is not functioning properly. In this case, we will be discussing how to install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad internal display. We will also cover the steps to take when the external monitor goes away when booting up from a USB drive.

Understanding the Problem

The Acer Extensa 4620 is a laptop model that is known to have issues with its internal display. In some cases, the display may not function at all, or it may display distorted or flickering images. If you are experiencing this issue, you may be able to access the BIOS settings by attaching an external VGA monitor. However, when you try to boot up from a USB drive, the external monitor may go away, making it difficult to complete the installation process.

Preparation

Before attempting to install an operating system on your Acer laptop with a bad display, you will need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. Here are some things you will need:

External VGA monitor: You will need an external VGA monitor to access the BIOS settings and to complete the installation process.
USB drive: You will need a USB drive with a valid operating system installation media.
Power cord: Make sure you have a power cord to connect your laptop to a power source.
Screwdriver: You may need a screwdriver to remove the battery and any other components that may be obstructing the installation process.

Step 1: Accessing the BIOS Settings

To access the BIOS settings, you will need to attach an external VGA monitor to your laptop. Here are the steps to follow:

Attach the external VGA monitor: Connect the external VGA monitor to your laptop using a VGA cable.
Enter the BIOS settings: Press the key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, F12, or Del).
Configure the display settings: In the BIOS settings, configure the display settings to use the external VGA monitor as the primary display.

Step 2: Booting up from a USB Drive

Once you have accessed the BIOS settings, you can boot up from a USB drive. Here are the steps to follow:

Insert the USB drive: Insert the USB drive with the valid operating system installation media into a USB port on your laptop.
Save the changes: Save the changes you made in the BIOS settings.
Reboot the laptop: Reboot the laptop to boot up from the USB drive.

Step 3: Installing the Operating System

Once you have booted up from the USB drive, you can start the installation process. Here are the steps to follow:

Select the installation media: Select the installation media from the USB drive.
Follow the installation prompts: Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation process.
Configure the display settings: Configure the display settings to use the external VGA monitor as the primary display.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

Check the USB drive: Make sure the USB drive is properly inserted and recognized by the laptop.
Check the BIOS settings: Make sure the BIOS settings are configured correctly to use the external VGA monitor as the primary display.
Check the operating system installation media: Make sure the operating system installation media is valid and properly configured.

Conclusion

Installing an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to complete the installation process successfully. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the installation process, and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when installing an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display:

Use a valid operating system installation media: Make sure the operating system installation media is valid and properly configured.
Use a reliable external VGA monitor: Make sure the external VGA monitor is reliable and properly connected to the laptop.
Save the changes: Save the changes you made in the BIOS settings to ensure that they are applied correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about installing an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display:

Q: Can I install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display? A: Yes, you can install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display, but you will need to use an external VGA monitor to access the BIOS settings and to complete the installation process.
Q: How do I access the BIOS settings on an Acer laptop with a bad display? A: To access the BIOS settings, you will need to attach an external VGA monitor to your laptop and press the key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, F12, or Del).
Q: How do I boot up from a USB drive on an Acer laptop with a bad display? A: To boot up from a USB drive, you will need to insert the USB drive with the valid operating system installation media into a USB port on your laptop and save the changes you made in the BIOS settings.
Frequently Asked Questions: Installing an Operating System on an Acer Laptop with a Bad Display =============================================================================================

Q: Can I install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display?

A: Yes, you can install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display, but you will need to use an external VGA monitor to access the BIOS settings and to complete the installation process.

Q: How do I access the BIOS settings on an Acer laptop with a bad display?

A: To access the BIOS settings, you will need to attach an external VGA monitor to your laptop and press the key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, F12, or Del). Once you are in the BIOS settings, you can configure the display settings to use the external VGA monitor as the primary display.

Q: How do I boot up from a USB drive on an Acer laptop with a bad display?

A: To boot up from a USB drive, you will need to insert the USB drive with the valid operating system installation media into a USB port on your laptop and save the changes you made in the BIOS settings. Then, reboot the laptop to boot up from the USB drive.

Q: What if my external VGA monitor goes away when I boot up from a USB drive?

A: If your external VGA monitor goes away when you boot up from a USB drive, it may be due to a conflict between the external monitor and the USB drive. Try disconnecting the external monitor and booting up from the USB drive again. If the issue persists, try using a different USB drive or a different external monitor.

Q: Can I use a different type of external monitor, such as HDMI or DisplayPort?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of external monitor, such as HDMI or DisplayPort, as long as it is compatible with your laptop's video output. However, you will need to ensure that the external monitor is properly connected to the laptop and that the display settings are configured correctly.

Q: What if I encounter issues during the installation process?

A: If you encounter issues during the installation process, try troubleshooting the problem by checking the USB drive, BIOS settings, and operating system installation media. If the issue persists, try seeking help from a professional or contacting the manufacturer's support team.

Q: Can I install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display without using an external monitor?

A: No, it is not possible to install an operating system on an Acer laptop with a bad display without using an external monitor. The internal display is not functioning properly, and you will need to use an external monitor to access the BIOS settings and to complete the installation process.

Q: How long does the installation process take?

A: The installation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the installation and the speed of your laptop. It is recommended to leave the laptop running for several hours to ensure that the installation process is completed successfully.

Q: Can I install multiple operating systems on an Acer laptop with a bad display?

A: Yes, you can install multiple operating systems on an Acer laptop with a bad display, but you will need to use a separate USB drive for each operating system and configure the BIOS settings accordingly. It is recommended to use a separate USB drive for each operating system to avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth installation process.

Q: What if I need to reinstall the operating system on my Acer laptop with a bad display?

A: If you need to reinstall the operating system on your Acer laptop with a bad display, you can follow the same steps outlined in this article. However, make sure to back up any important data and settings before reinstalling the operating system.

Q: Can I use a different type of operating system, such as Linux or Chrome OS?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of operating system, such as Linux or Chrome OS, on your Acer laptop with a bad display. However, you will need to ensure that the operating system is compatible with your laptop's hardware and that you have the necessary installation media.

Q: What if I encounter issues with the operating system after installation?

A: If you encounter issues with the operating system after installation, try troubleshooting the problem by checking the operating system settings, drivers, and software. If the issue persists, try seeking help from a professional or contacting the manufacturer's support team.