updated: February 3, 2011 VGA is a 16-pin standard video input.

The Gateway Profile is a computer with a built-in flat screen monitor. By itself it is a complete computer, but if you need to use the monitor for a different computer, it is possible. With the Gateway Profile 6 and later models it is easy to just plug a VGA cord into the video input slot -- the light blue slot. The Gateway Profile 5 and earlier models are a little more difficult and require pulling off the casing of the computer and plugging a VGA cord directly into the motherboard.

Unplug the Gateway Profile from its power source.

Remove every screw on the back of the computer. There are four tabs on the sides of the computer. These bend and slide out. Under these tabs are four more screws that need to be removed.

Remove the back casing from the computer. Locate the hard drive cage directly underneath the I/O assembly panel -- the color-coded input panel that you plug the keyboard and other hardware into. Remove the six screws from the hard drive cage and gently pull out the hard drive without unplugging it.

Unplug the long white VGA plug behind the hard drive. Plug your other computer into the VGA input. Plug the Gateway profile back in. The Gateway Profile monitor will work off of the other tower now, but since the power for the monitor is built into the motherboard it will only work if both computer are on.

• How to Use a Gateway Profile as a Monitor [02/15/2011 21:08:02]