Dell Laptop LCD Failure in WIndows

[xaviero]

The other days I left my laptop on for a couple hours (3-4) and when I
returned and moved the mouse so it would exit the "screen sleep" state
if flickered and the lcd screen was visible for a second or two then it
went very dim. (enough to see slight shadows but not enough to
distinguish what is on the screen).

The laptop still functions ok, because I connected it to an external
monitor and I can use it with out any issues.

Also, when booting up I can see the DELL startup screen, the LCD dims
when windows takes over.

With the external monitor I was able to go into the device manager, no
errors when shown.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[Bob I]

Sounds like backlight failure. That is a usually a vendor repair issue.

 

[Dave]

Sounds like backlight failure. That is a usually a vendor repair issue.

If you are VERY handy, you can try replacing either the backlite bulbs or
the inverter. Check lcdpart.com for parts.
Dave

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Just in case for breaking your warranty, I'd recommend you to contact Dell
support and/or check their forum before doing repair.

 

[Kerry Brown]

I also think it's probably a backlight issue but just in case it's not:

Some laptops have an option to switch between the lcd screen and an external
screen. Usually you have to press a combination of keys or do something in
the display properties. On my Toshiba you press Fn+F5 to toggle between
either or both screens. The fact that you can see the Dell startup screen
means it may be a Windows problem. Is the Dell startup screen at normal
brightness?

 

[JANA]

The backlights and inverter are most likely failing. This can be serviced by
DELL.

--

JANA
_____


The other days I left my laptop on for a couple hours (3-4) and when I
returned and moved the mouse so it would exit the "screen sleep" state
if flickered and the lcd screen was visible for a second or two then it
went very dim. (enough to see slight shadows but not enough to
distinguish what is on the screen).

The laptop still functions ok, because I connected it to an external
monitor and I can use it with out any issues.

Also, when booting up I can see the DELL startup screen, the LCD dims
when windows takes over.

With the external monitor I was able to go into the device manager, no
errors when shown.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[xaviero]

Thanks for your comments. I have another laptop, maybe a year old, that
has issues with the power cord connection so I try to swap out the
backlights, any warnings???

Thanks again.....

 

[Michael Kennedy]

any warnings??

Yeah.. Don't ruin your warrenty.. If it is less than a year old I'm sure
that it is still under warrenty. On top of that I bet that they don't have
the same or even similar inverter. I bet you could find someone to fix that
power cord issue fairly cheap or sell it on ebay for good money since there
are no major issues with it.

- Mike

 

[Gary]

If you can see the dell logo and boot info on the screen at boot up, the lcd
should be okay. you can try to boot off a floppy and see if the lcd stays
on for 10-15 minutes at the DOS prompt. If it does the lcd should be fine.
you can try deleting the monitor from the device manager in windows, it will
find the display again and reload the driver on the next boot. If it's a
driver issue, you'll need to totally remove the driver and reload it.

 

[Guest]

Hi There, Had a problem on a latitude lite that, it was the ribbon connector
from the display to the motherboard that needed reseaing, the strip at the
top of the keyboard flips off then remove a couple of screws to lift the
keyboard and get to the connector itself, just reseat it
hope that helps

 

[Michael Kennedy]

If you are using windows XP
Try hitting F8 at bootup and select VGA mode or Safe mode.

If you can get a picture delete your graphics card driver from device
manager along with your display.

- Mike

 

[Lionel]

I also think it's probably a backlight issue but just in case it's not:

Some laptops have an option to switch between the lcd screen and an external
screen. Usually you have to press a combination of keys or do something in
the display properties. On my Toshiba you press Fn+F5 to toggle between
either or both screens. The fact that you can see the Dell startup screen
means it may be a Windows problem. Is the Dell startup screen at normal
brightness?

On the same topic, laptops usually have a tiny switch (push button or
microswitch) that disables the LCD panle when the lid is closed.
Sometimes these go faulty & prevent the LCD from lighting up.
They'll typically be around the lid hinge, top edge of the base unit,
or on one of the latches.

 

[Barry Watzman]

On the same topic, laptops usually have a tiny switch (push button or
microswitch) that disables the LCD panle when the lid is closed.
Sometimes these go faulty & prevent the LCD from lighting up.
They'll typically be around the lid hinge, top edge of the base unit,
or on one of the latches.

 

[Dave B]

Not likely that the backlight will fit, unless both laptops have the same
screen in them.

 

[James Sweet]

Not likely that the backlight will fit, unless both laptops have the same
screen in them.

I'd just buy a new CCFL tube, they're not very expensive.

 

[Dana]

If anyone has a lap top that has a broken screen, and they want to get rid
of it. Don't put it in the trash. I am a blind person, and could probably
still use it. All I do is load my screen read software on and I am in
business. E-mail if you have a lap top you want to get rid of. Thanks.