You need an external keyboard and/or mouse to do this. While the computer is open and booted, do these:
1) Hook up the USB keyboard and/or mouse to the MacBook Pro.
2) Connect the external monitor to the MacBook Pro.
3) Close the lid of the MacBook Pro (which puts it to sleep).
4) Use the keyboard and/or mouse to "wake" the computer.
5) The external monitor should auto-configure its resolution. If not, simply use the "Displays" pane of the System Preferences to adjust it to an optimal resolution.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86286