Hello, Im wondering how to turn off my laptop's screen (monitor), while still having the cpu active? I am aware that the first and most common problem with laptops are their monitors. Since I might have to keep my laptop on several hours during the day, whilst connected to the internet, I would like to know how I can keep my cpu running while my monitor is off. Recent advises were to go to: Control panel -> Energy Options -> Advanced tab.. All I could find was setting an option to suspension or standby, but I am not really sure if that is what I want. Any suggestions will be gladly appreciated. Btw, I am using Windows XP as my OS. Thanks in advance. Kriz

If the power management function doesn't meet your needs (altho it should -- have you read the directions?) then there should be a function key toggle (read your manual) that turns it off.

You didn't mention the kind (brand) of laptop you have, but usually there's a key on the keyboard that will switch you into "External Monitor" mode which turns off your LCD and turns on your VGA or TV-out port. But if you don't have any external monitor or TV connected, it'll just turn off you LCD, which is what you want to do. And as "rac" said above, you can always setup Power Management to turn off your monitor after a selected amount of "idle" time.

Btw, by having the cpu running and the monitor switched off in a laptop. Will that cause any hazards or any minor problems? Or is that normal for laptops? The reason as to why the cpu will be running and the monitor switched off, is because the laptop will be connected to the internet. Keeping in mind that there is a power plug to keep the battery of the laptop charged. Mentioning this, will there be any problems with the battery charger and the battery aswell if it is kept on/plugged 24/7? I used to have a desktop pc and this wasnt the case. Im not sure if this would be different for laptops.