Laptop detected an non-existent generic non pnp monitor

Hi

I am helping someone to fix his computer (Aspire 5472, Intel i5 processor, Intel HD graphics). I have notice that in his "display resolution" screen that it shows to have an extra montior. (one monitor is the laptop monitor one is generic non pnp monitor) I have tried wiping out harddrive and reinstall windows 7, updating to the latest bios and the newest graphic display driver. Nothing seems to help.

This have become a somewhat serious issue because I suspect for the same reason, I cannot see the bootup screen on this laptop, which includes:

* the Acer logo, "Press F2 for setup"

* Bios editing screens

* in the case of windows bootup detected error, the screen that allow you to go to safe mode

The laptop monitor is simply not showing any screen unless it is 1366x768 resolutions. I suspect this non-existent generic non pnp monitor is the problem. I was able to get to these screen by plugging the HDMI cable to my TV. However, the VGA port would not work either.

I have looked online and it seems that I am not the only person who had this problem but I have yet to see a solution that works for me. I thought I would check here and see if there's any advice