question about installing windows without seeing a laptop screen and using external monitor

is it possible? I have a laptop that a friend asked to reinstall the os and the screen is completely not visible and needs an external monitor to display.

Before i do this, i wanted to see if i would be able to boot to an xp or vista cd, reinstall the os all through an external monitor? Will it stay on the whole time?

Thanks for any help!

 

A laptop without a screen is just a crummy desktop without a screen.

 

thanks for the info. Ill give it a try tonight

 

Actualy, I have seen some ultra-thin desktops that are about the size of a slim laptop with the screen removed.