Dark screen; FN Keys increase doesn't help; XP is loading

I'm trying to diagnose this model for a friend: Aspire 3100-1556

The screen is too dark to use. The brightness feature via the function key doesn't help. It does make an instantaneous brightness when pressing it, but it stays dark, doesn't hold more than a split second.

Windows XP IS loading; that much can be seen when looking hard enough. So this isn't an operating system issue. It's there, just can't see it well enough to use.

Any guidance on this issue? I have been told elsewhere that it could be the inverter, but as I am new to repairing laptops, I really need more info before asking my friend to spend money on one.

Ideas, suggestion? Troubleshooting guide?

 

It does sound like LCD inverter problem. Check the link below, it may give you some idea..
http://www.pchub.com/uph/content/fq2_dis_lcd_inverter.html

 

Okay will check it out when I have more time, thanks (on my way out of town for a family thing).

One more question: If i diagnose this as an inverter issue, is ~$70 a fair price for one? I looked at LCDPart.net and found and found one for an Aspire 3000 series laptop.

 

I can't help you here as I've never bought one myself I don't know if this is a fair price or not.
One more thing: I might be wrong about the inverter thing! I suggest you wait a few days maybe someone will have a better suggestion than mine.

 

Yes by all means, anybody chime in if you have some expertise to offer