How to Connect Your Dell Laptop to an Overhead Projector

Connecting a laptop to an overhead projector is a necessity if you want to do things like project PowerPoint presentations or movies. In order to connect your laptop to any peripheral video device (including projectors), you'll need a VGA cable. You can purchase these from almost any electronics store for around $25. On Dell laptops, the VGA slot which is marked by two concentric squares.

Things You'll Need

• VGA Cable

Instructions

1. Press the "On" button on the projector. Make sure the projector is set to "VGA" or "Laptop."

2. Connect the VGA cable to the projector and to the laptop. You can find the VGA slot on the back or side of the laptop, marked by two concentric squares.

3. Turn on the laptop.

4. Right-click on the desktop, and click "Properties" to open the Display properties window.

5. Click the "Settings" tab. Under "Screen Resolution," make sure the resolution is set to, at most, 1024x768. If it is higher, move the gray arrow to the left, and click "OK." Many projectors do not project if the resolution is too high.

6. Hold the blue "Fn" key on the lower left of the keyboard, then hit "F8." Wait about 10 seconds. You should see only the projector display. Press sequence again to toggle one of three settings: laptop display only, projector display only, or both displays simultaneously.

References

• CSU Fresno Website: Connecting a Laptop to Overhead Projector