The video adapter on a computer I am working on was disabled.
How do I go about re-enabling the adapter without being able to see what I am doing?

Little bit of background:
My boss let a self-proclaimed computer genius install a multi-monitor display on a computer. The display apparently wasn't working correctly, so he disabled the default display adapter.

Now, the computer boots up just fine, and everything works the way its supposed to, but the display doesn't show anything.

Is there any way to re-enable the default display adapter so I can re-install the new multi-monitor display adapter?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Are you plugged into the motherboard VGA?

If so you should get the BIOS Setup. Was it disabled here or in Windows? Or both?

Again plug into the motherboard VGA and enter Safe Mode to access the Device Manager in XP:

Try booting into Safe Mode options:

After the power-on and BIOS POST or your Logo screen repeatedly tap the F8 key or hold the Ctrl key before Windows starts.

Have you tried booting up in safe mode?
Hold down the F8 key.
This only loads the minimum basic drivers so hopefully you'll get the default video driver.
Good luck.

I am plugged in to the motherboard VGA.
Apparently that is the display adapter that was disabled.
It was disabled in Windows.

Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing if the computer can boot in safe-mode because there is no display to see. I only know that it's working correctly because I have an automatic fax program running on it, and all of the faxes that are supposed to be sent out are being sent out.

What I'm wondering, is if there is a way to re-enable that adapter without being able to see what I'm doing?

ID the motherboard and follow the instructions on clearing the CMOS.

This should return the BIOS to default conditions.

computer is a Dell Optiplex GX280

I've never "cleared" the CMOS before, will this revert back to original factory settings?

It has nothing to do with XP.

It should reset your motherboard BIOS settings back to default which should enable the VGA.

Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."


Reset the current CMOS settings:


Locate the password (PSWD) and CMOS (RTC_RST) jumpers on the system board.


Remove the password jumper plug from its pins.


Place the password jumper plug on the RTC_RST pins and wait approximately 5 seconds.


Remove the jumper plug from the RTC_RST pins and place it back on the password pins.


Close the computer cover.


Attach the computer stand, if used.


NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...t0.htm#1132466

Remove the other graphics card as well if you haven't already.