black screen on laptop

[Bill]

I have had a problem lately with my laptop..... I bought
it off ebay with xp home, I had a hd go bad and had tech
support come out and replace the hd and screen. I then
loaded 2000 pro (disc originally supplied with laptop)
and since then I have had this problem. Normally it is
fine, however...when I run updates or install a program
that requires a reboot...upon reboot the screen is black.
I used to be able to press "fn (function)+ f8 (crt/lcd)
and it would come back, lately not the case. Only after
I shut it down completely and then boot up will it act
normally. I just installed xp home (didn't like 2000pro)
and every time during installation that it requires a
restart it comes up black, (so I have no idea what input
it requires from me, setup and options, etc.) I
installed once and it seemed ok. I installed anti virus
and spywareblaster but when I went to microsoft's website
to install updates it locked up....I shut down and tried
again.....same thing. I figured I screwed something up
during install (not being able to see the screen and all)
so I'm going to try again. It would be easier to figure
out if I didn't have to suffer the black screen everytime
I reboot. sorry about the war and peace post...I'll
leave specs and wait. pretty sure it's software or
settings not hardware. thanks.
Dell Latitude C810 pIII 1.13g
512 pc 133 - 60 gig hd
nvidia gforce 2 go 32meg
15" uxga - xp home - microsoft wireless mn-520

 

[Guest]

Send it to the manufacturer's service department and have it fixed.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

First, go to the laptop manufacturer's website to download the latest mobo
and chipset drivers for your model. Make sure to disable any antivirus
softwares before install them.
You may also need to download the latest XP compatible drivers for your
display card.

Hope it helps.

Peter

 

[Stuart]

Hi,

I'd suggest getting the screen checked by Dell, or check
bios to video driver compatibility issues. I had a
similar problem, see below!

I have an Inspiron 8100 where my screen failed completely
(backlight), external display OK. I had a new screen
fitted and after I upgraded to windows XP pro (3-5days
later), started having problems with the screen not
working at start-up, or after a re-boot.

The Fn+F8 key always brought it back on, checked Dell's
website and was informed about incompatibility issues
with the latest bios and video drivers, so played with
the software and drivers, extensively!

Steadily the problem started getting worse - when cold,
no problem, after warm re-boot no display - Several Fn+F8
key sequences later, screen OK.

Phoned tech support, no joy! So the laptop went back to
Dell, they did not have any idea as to the cause! Dell
fitted a new screen and it now works OK.

Hope it helps, Stuart