Laptop help? (desktop, monitor, screens, LCD)

[mpascal]

So I tend to be cursed when it comes to technology. Today our laptop screen stopped being visible. That's a new one for me. Anyone experience this or know if anything can be done? The computer's on, but no screen. Once the desktop sort of flashed on in an orange-y tone, and then went off. Can this be salvaged?

A related question, if we need to replace this, we weren't quite in the market for a new computer. What are thoughts on buying a used/refurbished laptop vs. buying brand new? Realize cheapest isn't best, but we don't have much to spend on a replacement. Don't need anything fancy, Internet access, Office programs, watch video. Any guidance is appreciated.

[TomSD]

Do you have a monitor handy that you can try plugging it into? If the screen is gone you can use a monitor as an alternative for the time being. As for fixing it it depends on what it is that is wrong and from what you've described it is hard to tell.

Is there a little trigger or sensor on the laptop that tells it when it is closed? If so try pushing and releasing it a few time to see if that does anything. I've run into a couple where the sensor gets dirty or switch gets stuck and it thinks the laptop is closed so turns off the monitor.

[mpascal]

Thanks. Just tried the monitor hook up and no luck. The orange light stays on the monitor as if it were hooked up to a computer that was shut down. I checked the sensor too.

Don't know how to describe much better what's happening. When the laptop is turned on, the screen comes up, somewhat dim and orange, briefly. Then as the computer is warming up, prior to the desktop appearing, the screen just goes off/black. So may just be time for a new one, but would love to be able to salvage if possible.

[NHDave]

It's likely that the backlight went out on the LCD or the inverter went out, if you hold the screen under a light you may see a faint image of it if this is the case. When you hook up an external monitor you need to use a set of function keys to turn it on. Your laptop has a key called FN (or close to that) and the F keys accross the top have pictures on them, look for one that looks like a monitor and press the FN key and that one to cycle through onboard and external dispaly.
You can get a new screen or inverter for your laptop, inverters start around $20 or $30 and screens start at $69 or so, make/model of laptop?

[mpascal]

Thanks, NHDAVE. It's a Dell Latitude 610. If it is the screen or inverter, is it something we can do at home, or will we need Geek Squad to do it?

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by mpascal

Thanks, NHDAVE. It's a Dell Latitude 610. If it is the screen or inverter, is it something we can do at home, or will we need Geek Squad to do it?

Absolutely possitively under no circumstances should you go to geek squad. You won't get anywhere near the prices I've quoted, you'll likely get 5 or 6 times that in parts alone.

LCD panels and inverters are pretty easy to replace, usually all you need are a small phillips screwdriver. It's a Latitude D610 I'm assuming? The supplier I use lists 5 different screens for that model, ranging from $118 to $175, you'd have to remove the LCD to get the mfg and part number off it. If you don't want to tackle it find a local reputable shop in your area, NOT the geek squad. Probably 8-9 times out of ten it's the LCD and not the inverter that's the problem.

Here's a video that shows the procedure.

Laptop LCD Removal Instructions