Macbook screen is black

MacBook 2007 starts up to black screen.
When plugged into external monitor, it shows the native startup screen without menu bar, icons, or dock.
The pointer shows and responds to the mouse, but there is nothing to click on.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
-Robin

Shut down, then disconnect the external display.
First step would be to reset the parameter RAM.
Second, if that does not fix it, would be to reset the System Management Controller.
Third, try booting into the Startup Manager by holding down the option key during startup. Is there any video at all now?
If there is no video by this point, you have a hardware issue. Contact Apple using www.apple.com/support/contact if you are in a country that supports it or call the appropriate phone number on this page. Alternatively carry the MacBook in to an Apple retail store or service provider to ask for an estimate.

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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
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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
Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
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.
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Reset the system
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Start up in Safe Mode.
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Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
Restart your computer.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Take care,
Sterling

Macbook screen is black

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