I'd like to be able to plug an external monitor and keyboard into my
notebook computer, then be able to close the notebook, and proceed
with an interface similar to a desktop.

However, when I close the notebook, but external monitor goes black.
It will work if I leave the notebook open, but I can't fit it into the
tray I'd like to use if it's open.

Is there a setting thru 'Control Panel' or something that will let me
direct it to stay 'on' with it closed?

Thanks,
Patrice

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Clarification of Question by patrice29-ga on 28 Mar 2005 09:36 PST

correction:
However, when I close the notebook, the external monitor goes black.

Additionally, I have a Dell Pentium M notebook (Inspirion) running Win XP sp2.
It was purchased last July.

To do this, go to Control Panel > Power Options. On the Advanced Tab
change "When I close the lid of my portable computer:" to "Do Nothing"

you can get a port replicator so you could turn your portatil
equipment into a desktop.

google search:
Dell port replicator

i hope it helps.
Phossil

What needs to be done is to examine the laptop keyboard, find where
the "Fn" key is located.  Next, located a key with a subtext of
"CRT/LCD."  When pressing the "Fn" key and the while still holding
down the "Fn" key, press the "CRT/LCD" key.  What this will do is
switch the video cards mode from "Internal Only" to "External Only" or
"Internal and External."
Once the mode is set to either "External Only" or "Internal and
External," you should be able to close your laptop lid and still use
the computer via an external monitor.