Need helping installing OS with extended monitor

I have a broken LCD on my 20" intel imac, and I am using an external monitor. It is mirrored at present, but I have a USB power overage problem, and it requires reinstalling the OS. I've done the SMC and PRAM. My USB doesn't work at all.

When I go to reinstall the OS the USB works, but the display reverts back to extended, and I can't see the screens to choose the correct settings for the install.

1. Is their another way to install this?
2. Is their a way to mirror the screen?
3. Is their a way to recover the OS without a new install?

On some keyboards, you can press the F7 key, or Command-F1, as a shortcut to turn video mirroring on or off.

When the installer comes up, try command F1for your mac and it should toggle between mirroring and extended display

louishen said:

On some keyboards, you can press the F7 key, or Command-F1, as a shortcut to turn video mirroring on or off.

When the installer comes up, try command F1for your mac and it should toggle between mirroring and extended display

Click to expand...

Nice one...certainly a less commonly used keyboard shortcut!

- Nick

f1 command for macbook

louishen said:

On some keyboards, you can press the F7 key, or Command-F1, as a shortcut to turn video mirroring on or off.

When the installer comes up, try command F1for your mac and it should toggle between mirroring and extended display

Click to expand...

Thanks for this, but it only works on a macbook. I've purchased the snow leopard update to get me past the heavy text windows, and I've got the voice activated so I can listen to what I'm doing. This is so frustrating. Thanks for trying.