Inspiron 600M - Display problem

I have a Dell Inspiron 600m. About a year ago, my computer began having problems with the display. The screen would get really dark while the outline of the background was still visible. A person in our IT department went in and reconnected some of the connections and it fixed the problem.

It is a little over a year later and the same problem is occurring. The screen has gone completely dark while the background is faintly visible. They reattached the connections, but it did not fix the problem. I can use an external monitor to see my screen. The bottom left hand corner of the screen is also a little bit on the warm side when compared to the rest of the screen. It showed a slight amount of discoloration before the screen when out.

Since my computer is 3 years old and my life as a grad student depends on the computer, I have already purchased another one. However, I am interested in fixing the problem with the Inspiron. Does anyone have an idea about what is wrong with it? What do I have to buy to fix it...backlight, inverter, screen, or all of the above? Are there any really good manuals availible as am not a very computer savvy person Thanks so much for all your help!

 

Sounds like the LCD is shot, you would have to buy another one

 

Actually, if you can still see the screen (like by shining your flashlight on it), it means that only your backlight is burnt, and a backlight is not a terribly expensive part. You can use backlights for the 600M as well as the D600 and they're only like $10 on eBay.

Nonetheless, it is somewhat tricky to replace one of these backlights, especially since Dell doesn't include "backlight replacement" in its service manuals. If you aren't inclined to take apart your LCD assembly, you can also replace the LCD assembly itself, but this will cost something like 50-75 dollars. LCD panels from the 500M, 600M, D500, and D600 should be compatible.

 

Thanks so much for your help!