I am screwed. [Computer Hardware Question]

Jeff W · #1 03-25-2005, 07:04 PM

I want to plug a second monitor into my laptop(I have an ATI Mobility Radeon 9000, so I should be able to use multiple monitors), but one of the female connectors where the monitor screws in is missing. Can someone tell me how to replace this port?

Thank you.

Kablooie · #2 03-25-2005, 08:13 PM

You're probably screwed. If you post the model of your laptop i can check, but if the manufacturer didn't bring both ports out for you, there isn't much you can do about it. Just because the card nominally has the capability, does not mean that the manufacturer actually enabled all of it. (For example, i've seen plenty of laptops with a graphics card that could do higher resolutions, but didn't have lcd screens that would support them).

Jeff W · #3 03-25-2005, 11:12 PM

I remembered that I have plugged in a separate monitor before, but I had two ports(I don't know what to call these-the things you screw the monitor plug into) back then. Now I have but one. I can't just replace the port? Nothing is broken off inside, it is just missing.

Russ McGinley · #4 03-26-2005, 03:45 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I remembered that I have plugged in a separate monitor before, but I had two ports(I don't know what to call these-the things you screw the monitor plug into) back then. Now I have but one. I can't just replace the port? Nothing is broken off inside, it is just missing.

[/ QUOTE ]

No you cannot replace a port on a laptop because it is build onto the motherboard. You might try buying a docking station.

Jeff W · #5 03-26-2005, 09:15 PM

Okay, I think I am not making myself clear.

When you screw in your monitor cord into your computer, there are two holes that you screw the screws into. They are somewhat raised from the surface on the computer. Where I should have two, I have only one.

Is that little screw-hole irreplaceable?

fyodor · #6 03-26-2005, 09:31 PM

If it's just the thumbscrew thing you are talking about then don't worry about it. You don't actually have to screw them together to get it to work, you just have to plug it in.

Jeff W · #7 03-26-2005, 09:42 PM

Hahaha, alright I'll try that. Thanks Fyodor.

Russ McGinley · #8 03-26-2005, 09:53 PM

Uh, yeah, you are worrying about nothing important. The only thing you can do in that case is go to CompUSA or another retail store and ask if they have any. When I worked there, we had a big can of miscellaneous screws and nuts that come off a computer, and they will usually let you sift through it and try and find one.