My children just received a hand-me-down computer but it didn't have a monitor. I attached a monitor but can't get the computer to start up properly now. In the startup, I get a dos screen that says the display adapter has been successfully initialized. Then it says to use this adapter, I have to make the adjustments in the display option of hte control panel. How can I do this if I can't get to the control panel?

Start the PC in 'safe mode' and then you can make the adjustments. To get into safe mode, keep tapping the F8 key when you start the PC before the splash screen shows. Use the keyboard arrow & enter keys to select safe mode. To get back into normal mode, just reboot the PC.

That didn't work. What I think the problem is, (I just don't know how to fix it!)is that the computer thinks there is another primary monitor hooked up. When I turn the computer on, there is no "response" (blinking cursor, HP screen, etc.) from the new monitor except for the successful initialization screen. I can't type anything or do anything with this screen.

the computer is not seeing the monitor. does the computer beep(s) when you power it up david

No, the computer does not beep when I power it up. After I know the hard drive has stopped "booting up" if I press CTRL-ALT-DEL, it shuts down and reboots, giving me the same message on my monitor.

You should be able to boot the system into Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode you should be able to set the display screen resolution to a lower setting.

See, that's the problem...I can't start it in Safe Mode. The computer is not recognizing this monitor, so whatever I am able to do when I boot up the computer, I can't see. So, if I hit the F8 key as it boots up, I can't see what is happening.