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    Inspiron 6400 Black Screen

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by TheRev, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. TheRev

    TheRev Newbie

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    Hi
    I have a Dell Inspiron 6400
    It works when I switch on then the screen goes blank. I am now using it with an external monitor and it works ok otherwise.
    If I tilt the screen a little I can just see the windows in the background but there is no light.
    If I switch off and then on again a little later the screen will work long enough to get into my documents then go blank again.
    Can you tell me if this is a software problem or if I am likely to need a new screen or light.
    Thanks for your help
    TheRev
     
    TheRev, Apr 7, 2011
    #1
  2. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Most likely an inverter issue but it could also be the LCD, the LCD cable or the motherboard connection. You can't rule out anything without replacing something with a known good part.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Apr 7, 2011
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  3. TheRev

    TheRev Newbie

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    Thanks for your reply sounds like it might be more than I can handle:-(
     
    TheRev, Apr 8, 2011
    #3
  4. Mr.Singh

    Mr.Singh Notebook Guru

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    try performing a lcd bist and check by pressing the D + Power button to turn on the system
    check if u see and color bars displayed on the screen
    as u have checkd with the external monitor working fine than its not a issue with the motherboard
    it shud be with the lcd and the lcd cable!
     
    Mr.Singh, Apr 8, 2011
    #4
  5. starfleetkirk

    starfleetkirk Newbie

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    Well, replacing the entire LCD screen is a lot simpler than trying to just replace the inverter. Replacing just the inverter takes skills and some soldering. Buy a complete replacement LCD screen from places like eBay. If you have the patience and the tools, which you can get at RadioShack, you can get the laptop back up in no time at all. I can even walk you through it or if you are not comfortable taking your laptop apart, I offer to buy it off from you. I am looking for a cheap laptop for my daughter to run some older educational software that requires Windows XP or lower.
     
    starfleetkirk, Apr 12, 2011
    #5