Toshiba Fn plus the up/down keys adjusts system volume sound levels. Fn plus function keys F5&F6 has little pictures of suns on them here and does the display brightness. But I think to make it the light level stick you have to use the Control Panel 'Power Options' ... at least on my Toshiba is the way it seems to work.

Depending on the size, I have seen them run about $300-400. What model Vaio? Just do a google search for "Replacement LCD Sony Vaio(whatever the model number is)_____"

Thank you so much for all of your inputs. I took out the battery as suggested, it did not work. Powered on with/without docking station, it did not work. Went to work called the IT support team. First tried the "tapping F8 key" just as Mikie suggested, got into Start Options menu, picked "Last use good configuration" or something like that. Once computer finished the steps, repowered it on, but the power up still could not pass the "starting window" screen. Then tried the "tapping F12 key". I had to start tapping the F12 key as soon as push the power on botton. Finally get into the start options menu, picked "diagnostic". It ran a lengthy testing for about 30 minutes. The results showed error code 2000-0142, msg 6142 status 79. Tech support person said the hard drive was bad. The rest of the testing on memory and CPU...etc. showed no problem. I am waiting for IT to install new hard drive and port old data. I only hope that the data I did not back up would be preserved.

I would suggest the first action is getting some prices on options. You have not offered a model number so none of us can go there. How much is the replacement screen itself? How much would a repair shop charge? Is any of this worth the expense? If you are not needing it as a laptop consider plugging in a regular monitor which means no repair bills and very likely considerably less expense overall. Replacing the screen is not really that big a job. If you assume the price you paid for the computer was nothing then everything you do will not reduce that figure. So you could grab the bull by the horns and remove the damaged screen before buying the replacement. If it comes apart successfully as I am sure it will if you act carefully and confidently then would be the time to consider buying the new screen. According to Best Buy new Toshibas can be had for $270 and up. Replacement screens you need to Google for as only you know the model number. New free standing monitors can be had for under $100 and up.