laptop trouble

Hi, I have an old Toshiba Satellite laptop. About a year ago I dropped it and broke the screen, meaning that absolutely nothing is visible. The problem is that I have some files stored on the hardrive that I desperately need for an interview next week. I've tried using a desktop monitor and it works fine until windows launches then goes blank. Obviously I can't enter control panel and change any relevant settings without being able to see! Is there any way I can fix the problem at the setup stage (whilst the screen still works) or is it absolutely essential that I enter Windows?