Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: nasroo7 on February 16, 2012, 09:22:12 AM

Title: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: nasroo7 on February 16, 2012, 09:22:12 AM
Hi everyone !

   Sometimes the LCD of an old Dell Insprion E1505 I have goes dark.
If I turn off the room light, I can see the Windows Desktop, and my mouse moving, and the Start menu pop up, if I click on it, but the screen is really dark.
But sometimes, the screen works great!

After all the research I did... Everyone says that the only way to fix it, is to replace the whole LCD screen.
The LCD screen has a backlight, and an inverter on the bottom (from what I found)
And it could be either one of them that is not working properly

And replacing the inverter, can solve the problem for only few months before the backlight stops also...
I understand that.

But it's an old laptop, and I LOVE replacing parts on computers... So even if it breaks, it's alright. So, I don't want to go with the easy way (and most effective) and replace the LCD.

From your experience or what you know... What should I replace?
Backlight? or inverter? or something else?

Which one gives me better chances to solve my problem?
The inverter is easier to replace, than the backlight, because some people said that to replace the backlight, I need a CLEAN room (which I don't have)

Thank you for your help!
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: truenorth on February 16, 2012, 11:43:52 AM
I cannot advise you from experience but i will try to help you arrive a your best solution.If your primary interest is gaining experience on the repair aspect (and longevity of the repair is not a determining criteria). Then do the inverter (because the criteria for the "backlight you do not have). If on the other hand your primary objective is return the computer to full function for as long as possible,then replace the complete screen (that too will be a learning experience if you have never done it). It sounds like you are prepared to spend some of your money to achieve "something". Therefore for me your 1st decision is what is my real objective. Then you owe it to yourself to get the most bang for your buck. If you do decide to go for a screen replacement there are alternative options to "new" truenorth
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: Salmon Trout on February 16, 2012, 12:38:41 PM
some people said that to replace the backlight, I need a CLEAN room

This is not true.
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: patio on February 16, 2012, 04:51:23 PM
Well...i wouldn't do it in the attic or basement...
But Salmon's correct here.
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: Salmon Trout on February 17, 2012, 12:02:54 AM
To replace a backlight you have to disassemble the LCD panel. You don't want dust and lint getting inside it, so where you do it should be somewhere that was recently vacuumed and dusted. It doesn't need to be an industrial "clean room".

Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: nasroo7 on February 17, 2012, 07:36:38 AM
Thank's for your replies !

Quote
It sounds like you are prepared to spend some of your money to achieve "something"
I found the bakclight on ebay for 8$, and the inverter for 4$... so if I ever fail to fix it, I will have to get a NEW screen... but it would have cost me 12$ more than if I just replaced it from the beginning.... it's not that bad... =P
I replaced LCD screens in laptops... and I always wanted to try the backlight =P

Quote
It doesn't need to be an industrial "clean room".
Well...i wouldn't do it in the attic or basement...
Ok that makes more sens... just somewhere clean...

Quote
Then do the inverter
Ok, I bought the inverter, I will replace it when I get it :D

Quote
(because the criteria for the "backlight you do not have)
What do you mean by that?


Thank you again for your help !  :)
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: truenorth on February 17, 2012, 11:57:24 AM
Sounds like you have made a good decision given your desire to "learn" how to do things without spending a lot of money. What i meant by "(because the criteria for the "backlight you do not have)" was i relation to this" the backlight, because some people said that to replace the backlight, I need a CLEAN room (which I don't have)". Given that other very experienced and trustworthy members have come forward and given their statements re that limitation and proffered the observation that the level of environmental restrictions are NOT that demanding it would seem with precautions you could try it.Good luck with the repair and come back and tell us how it went.truenorth
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: Salmon Trout on February 17, 2012, 01:06:19 PM
The level of cleanliness should be about as high as in a kitchen when you are preparing food.
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: patio on February 17, 2012, 02:56:31 PM
Especially Lasagna....
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: nasroo7 on February 17, 2012, 05:09:17 PM
Quote
Especially Lasagna....
My favorite !! But I never found a place that makes good lasagna :(

Quote
The level of cleanliness should be about as high as in a kitchen when you are preparing food.
Ok, so I can do it my self..  ;D

Quote
Sounds like you have made a good decision given your desire to "learn" how to do things without spending a lot of money. What i meant by "(because the criteria for the "backlight you do not have)" was i relation to this" the backlight, because some people said that to replace the backlight, I need a CLEAN room (which I don't have)". Given that other very experienced and trustworthy members have come forward and given their statements re that limitation and proffered the observation that the level of environmental restrictions are NOT that demanding it would seem with precautions you could try it.Good luck with the repair and come back and tell us how it went.truenorth
Thanks ! So when I receive the inverter, I replace it, and tell you if it solved the problem or not  ;D

Thank's all for your help! You make the life easier and better !
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: nasroo7 on February 28, 2012, 08:57:57 AM
Hi everyone!

Received the inverter, and replaced it.
The screen doesn't turn dark anymore! :D

When I'm on the BIOS Setup, or running the MEDIADIRECT software of Dell, the screen is a little bit pinky (just a little bit)
But when I'm on Windows, it looks perfect

Thank you for your help! :D
But the inverter was the thing to change apparently. And I will reply back if the screen stop working in the future =P
Title: Re: LCD screen laptop goes dark sometimes
Post by: truenorth on February 28, 2012, 09:07:41 AM
Well done--Congrats. Hope you have much more time of enjoyable use.truenorth