Cannot connect laptop to external monitor?

Is there any way I can connect an external monitor to a working but black screen laptop?

• When I used to have my laptop working, I would connect an external monitor so I could have a second monitor running. I would choose the options by clicking the right mouse button and "personalize" and it'd identify my external monitor and move the screen I wanted to that side and use both monitors. Then I got a good PC and kept the laptop under the bed. Always worked fine. It had been a month or more before I pulled it out to go with me to my boyfiend's and I turned it on there, and it turned on fine (blue lights showing that it had a charge and showing that it was on.. I could hear it working but there was only black screen. I'm not sure what the problem is (it's an old Inspiron 1526). But my main question is is there any way to connect an external monitor so I could definitely see if the computer is indeed working behind the black screen? I used to have to go through things on my laptop to get it to see it but maybe there's a way I don't know about. Don't want to throw this computer away yet if I don't have to. Any help or links would be greatly appreciated!

• Answer:

  Actually there is another way to view the video if you are just wanting to keep it. There is a device called a USB to VGA adapter that will allow you to see the video using USB port here is the link through Amazon to purchase. it is only $47.00 bucks http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003C6VYD6/ref=asc_df_B003C6VYD62016146?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B003C6VYD6&hvpos=1o3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=101539185772891121&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt= I have tried one before and they do work Good luck