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Windows 10 Laptop No Display Using HDMI External Monitor But No Safe Mode HDMI Support?

Question

Sunday, August 27, 2017 8:06 PM

I have a Dell laptop with a broken monitor. I do not have the password for the user account.

I want to create a new user account. I have been using the HDMI port to display Windows 10 on an external LCD display over HDMI. This laptop does not have any other external display ports.

I understand the instructions to get into safe mode, and there I want to enter the command "net user administrator /active:yes" so that I can login as the built-in Administrator user and then create a new account.

I have pressed shift-restart and entered the advanced startup options screen, which allows me an option 4 safe mode, option 5 safe mode with networking, or option 6 safe mode command prompt. 

The problem is that in Safe Mode there is no driver for the HDMI port, so I can't see anything on the screen. 

Is there a "brute force" "back door" available to me under these circumstances?

All replies (7)

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 1:39 AM âś…Answered

Unfortunately apparently the video driver shipped with this particular laptop is not working when the laptop's LCD is cracked and a flat screen TV is connected via HDMI when in SAFE MODE. That last bit is the kicker. SAFE MODE.

So I replaced the LCD screen ($40 online retailer) and used Dell's detailed disassembly/assembly instructions to replace the LCD (an arduous task, took about 2 hours).  Now I can boot up in SAFE MODE.  Unfortunately, what I have discovered is that Windows 10 (unlike Windows 7 and earlier versions) is not shipped with a functional SAFE MODE that lets you hack into a machine when you no longer have the user password for the only defined Administrator account (or when the only user has been removed from Administrator and is now merely a lowly User account, lacking the Administrator privileges). That's my pickle. See (https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-access-advanced-startup-options-in-windows-10-or-8-2626229) and (https://www.lifewire.com/start-windows-8-or-8-1-in-safe-mode-2626256) for example.

So unlike Windows 7, you can't hit F8 during start up to enter safe mode and use the default built-in Administrator account (with a null password) to hack into your computer. I see how this is a security enhancement and long over due, but apparently it means with Windows 10 my only remaining option is to re-install the OS. Sigh.

Monday, August 28, 2017 6:58 AM

Hi,

Since the HDMI cannot display also, I consider if there is the hardware issue on your video card.

Please send your laptop to Dell directly for repairing.

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Tuesday, August 29, 2017 2:39 AM

HDMI connected monitor works fine after a normal Windows restart. However I can't get it to work while in safe mode. So I am flying blind and need to get to a safe mode command prompt working by "touch" with no visual feedback.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 9:21 AM

Hi, 

To do this start your laptop, and press and hold the function key which is the letters "fn". Press and hold this with the corresponding F# key that has the monitor symbol, which may look like this " lOl " or some variation of that.

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Saturday, September 2, 2017 4:08 PM

Sorry, the F8 key does not seem to work while the computer is in safe mode (Windows 10 calls this advanced troubleshooting mode). I am guessing that because safe mode loads with minimal driver support, HDMI is unavailable. :(

Saturday, September 2, 2017 5:58 PM

The video driver might be defaulting to the standard output, which in your case is the LCD. What Kate was suggesting is to try to switch the projection mode aka the HDMI output. Is your F8 the project mode or switch monitor mode?

Sean Liming - Book Author: Starter Guide Windows 10 IoT Enterprise - www.annabooks.com / www.seanliming.com

Saturday, September 2, 2017 8:11 PM

you could try the trick found here: Laptop screen won't turn on, but works with external monitor.
start the laptop and immediattely close the lid.

SOLUTION: I was able to get the laptop to display only to the monitor when connected by:

  1. Turn off computer completely 
  2. Connect the VGA cable to the laptop (output) and monitor (input)
  3. Power on laptop and Immediately close the cover of the laptop completely shut

RESOLUTION: By doing these steps the BIOS will boot recognizing the monitor as the main and only output option allowing
the monitor to continue to work even after loading the OS (ie. Windows 8) 
The laptop will be completely closed therefore you will need a usb or bluetooth keyboard and mouse in order to perform operations going forward