BleepingComputer.com: Removing laptop screen at the hinges

I'm curious --
I have an old Dell Inspiron E1505 and the LCD screen doesn't work anymore. But I only use this old laptop to hook up to the TV with a VGA cable and watch DVD's and streaming Netflix. (So it would make no sense to replace the laptop's LCD, because I don't use it). Is it possible to remove the entire screen and screen casing of my laptop, at the hinges, so I would essentially have what looks like a chunky keyboard + mousepad? Would the motherboard get confused about the missing screen?
I have an intermediate knowledge of software, and a basic knowledge of hardware, but I've never been inside a computer. A ) Is this possible? And if so, could I get some instruction on how to not mess up this operation? and B ) Would this be above my skill level?
Thanks
-C

This post has been edited by clairecobra: 29 April 2011 - 09:33 AM

This can be done first if you have never taken a laptop apart the main thing to remember is DON'T FORCE ANYTHING you begin by unpluging the power cord and remove the battery so there is no power to the laptop to avoid shorts next turn the laptop over and remove the screws that are marked with a k these are the screws that hold the keyboard in place next remove the screws on the bottom at the screen side of the laptop these screws hold the cover plate on above the keyboard now take a small flathead screw driver and gently pry the cover plate off once you get started it should pry off easily
if there is any resistance you don't have all the screws removed that hold the cover plate on whith the plate removed you will see two or three screws
that hold the keyboard inlpace removethe keyboard can noww be removed you should now see the cable that attaches to the motherboard gently pull it straight up you should now see the hinge mounts. there are two screws that hold the hinges to the laptop body these are located on the back remove
these screws and the screen can be removed from the laptop with the screen removed reconnect the key board ribbon cable and install the keyboard and coverplate connect the external monitor and you should be good to go you may have to go into the control panel and click on display to see if the computer recognizes the external good luck and remember patience is the key and don't force anything

Excellent tutorial Al57.

One thing I would add to consider doing prior to removal of the LCD. Go into Device Manager and disable the on board monitor. Also depending on the BIOS options I would consider disabling it there too.
This should avoid any problems after removal as to where the lap top will send the display signal to as well as any BIOS generated errors you may encounter after unplugging the ribbon cable that connects the LCD.

The above may not be necessary. But sure should not hurt.