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    Stepped on my computer...

    Discussion in 'HP' started by NinaJ, May 1, 2010.

  1. NinaJ

    NinaJ Notebook Guru

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    Sorry if this is the wrong place to put this. I wasn't sure where else I could put it on this forum, so I figured I would try here.

    Anyways, with my fantastic luck, I stepped on my computer screen. It wasn't that hard, but I heard a crack and pretty much knew I did something to it. Well when I opened my computer, I was greeted with this...

    [​IMG]

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    :mad: :(

    I guess I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to fix this, or am I basically screwed? I just have the 1 year warranty that came with my computer, and I didn't read over it, but I'm pretty sure they don't cover accidents like these.

    Does anyone have any idea how much something like this would cost to fix? Trying to debate if it's worth it or not to spend money on fixing it or just getting something else. Plus, I don't really want to deal with HP's customer service since I heard it's pretty bad. Anyways, thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer!
     
  2. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    yer screwed

    replacement screens can be had on ebay for approx $150- if you're capable of reading a service manual and have the patience for a nice slow, calm, by the book DIY.
     
  3. Kuu

    Kuu That Quiet Person

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    If there's no apparent physical damage, you might be able to get away with a warranty repair, if you're lucky, so don't count on it~

    Eitherway, Its probably cheaper to get a replacement screen and DIY your way through it like news said, than pay HP to fix it.
     
  4. timtravel42

    timtravel42 Notebook Virtuoso

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    HP is definitely not going to replace that, but you can try.

    Your best bet is to buy another screen (maybe even one that is a higher-res) and install it yourself (MAKE SURE IT FITS BEFORE BUYING :p )
     
  5. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    'higher res screens' generally DO NOT fit into machines that did not originally come with them. It's not just a mechanical issue; there are connector and graphics adapter (frame buffer, clock, vbios support) reasons as well.

    Over the past three years as screen resolutions and backlighting tech has evolved, the connection method for screens has changed as well.

    screens up to 14x9 with a ccfl backlight will use a 30 pin cable connecting a standard mobo header to a standard connector on the back of the screen.

    screens at a higher res than 14x9 and just about ALL screens with an LED backlight use a newer 40 pin cable/connection, again running from a standard mobo header to a standard connector on the back of the screen.

    on the 40 pin connector; some of those pins can support multiple web cams and/or microphones, but the pin-out/usage of those connectors is NOT standardized. manufacturers get around this by specifying special cables for each mobo/screen combination they assemble for both the 30 and 40 pin hookups.

    The 30 pin connector/cable is somewhat standardized but there are just enough variances between laptop mobo makers that it is probably 'unwise' to experiment with screens.

    I have seen BOMs that list out 4 or 5 common laptop mobos and another 4 or 5 'standard' screens and as many as 30 different cable assemblies to allow of all of the possible hookups. And that's just for one model/line within a manufacturers overall range of machines which could include 3 or 4 models/lines. So very quickly we can get up to hundreds of combinations each one being dependent on knowing the magic incantation of mobo part #, screen part#, and cable part # to avoid letting the smoke out of the tiny cans.

    Mobos cost appros $300 and screens cost approx $150 (repair parts prices) so all it takes is one mismatch between connector pinouts, cables, and parts to blow a huge wad of $$$.
     
  6. NinaJ

    NinaJ Notebook Guru

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    Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I really appreciate it. I think I'm just going to use my laptop until after finals and get a new one. I don't have the skills or patience to put in a screen.
     
  7. cyber16

    cyber16 Notebook Deity

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    It may take you all of 30-60 minutes to change out the LCD panel yourself or with the help of a friend that understands how to:
    If you are local to the Mpls, Minnesota area, i'd say order the screen and i'd install it for free.
    There are many low-cost sources for the lcd and many how to guides on the internet.
    Once class is out, give it a shot, very easy ;)
     
  8. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    If you have accidental coverage why not at least try to call HP. You only hear negative comments but some do have good ones. I for one had good results with them. You paid for it.. why not use it?
     
  9. timtravel42

    timtravel42 Notebook Virtuoso

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    He doesn't have accidental warranty, just the normal one
     
  10. sraven

    sraven Newbie

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    hi,
    i have a similar story. daughter dropped the dv3t accidentally and the screen is gone. planning on replacing it myself. notebook has webcam option. does it have a special screen with that option or does the webcam fit on the frame? appreciate any manual or step by step procedure to dismantle the screen and put it back. thanks a lot
     
  11. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    Here's a copy in PDF format of the service manual which has disassembly instructions as well as illustrations.

    http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01720761.pdf

    The webcam is separate from the screen and attaches to the frame. There are part numbers listed so you cna look them up in HP parts store or google them for 3rd party vendors.

    See pages 4-26 to 4-36 of that manual.