Q: I am trying to hook my macbook pro to a projector, which has a VGA cable. I bought a VGA to HDMI adapter, but whenever I hook it up, the screen on my macbook just goes black and I can't make it do anything else or even show up on the projector.

Hey there lynmrigg,

It sounds like have an HDMI to VGA adapter connecting your MacBook Pro and your projector but the screen on your computer goes black and no image appears on the projector. I would use the troubleshooting in the following article to help resolve or isolate the issue here, named:

Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

1. Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
2. If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
   • Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
3. If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).

Reset the system

You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

Reset the resolution

Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:

 

1. Start up in Safe Mode.
2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
3. Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
4. Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
5. Restart your computer.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care,

Sterling