Will dual boot make laptop screen unservicable?

I'm having a bit of screen problem. The screen brightness is pretty uneven, where the center of the screen is noticeably brighter than the other parts. The lower right is especially darker. so I'm thinking of getting my laptop sent in and have them have a look because it's causing some eyesore and headaches.

Well, here's my issue, I'm dual booting with Ubuntu being the default OS. Naturally, when they diagnose the problem (that's IF they agree to give it a look), they'll have to boot the computer. Will them seeing that it's Ubuntu loading lead to them declining the fix because Ubuntu wasn't the OS that came with the purchase? Naturally, I'll backup my data.

Should I swap to it booting XP just in case and make the GRUB loader invisible?

And, how much likely will they replace the screen based on my getting headaches? Technically, if the screen fulfills their test required brightness and contrast numbers, they'll just say it's fine and not bother. And is it possible for me to actually 'request' and LG screen?

 

You can always sent it without a HDD or password lock it. There is no obligation that they must have access to the HDD. My last service, the HDD is password locked. They have tons of service HDDs to boot up your machine if they ever needed to.

 

You do that in the bios?

 

I'd recommend sending it in without the hard drive so it's less likely you'll lose your data.

 

Won't they ask?

 

I agree with the others on this. I never sent in my drives when my machines were in for service. Same goes for when I worked for Dell, we did not require nor want the drive either way unless it was an OS issue. You are not obligated to send the drive in.

 

Yeah you can set the BIOS and HDD password in the BIOS. I have both BIOS and HDD password enabled, the service guy had no access to my BIOS nor my HDD.

 

Ok, I'll give them a lock and give them a call. Thanks, guys.

 

what happens if they need to add drivers or adjust something in the bios?

 

maybe true, but not for fixing a physical screen problem. i usually do not lock the bios, but i do remove our drives before sending anything in for repair.

 

Yeah.. I think I shouldn't lock the bios in case *I* forget the password. Though unlikely, but I won't really want to take the chance. It's not as if they'll want to do the computer any harm.

 

If it's not a hard drive or software issue, they won't need it. I can't remember where, but it was also recommended not to send it in on either Thinkpad.com or the Lenovo forums. You may as well ask by calling before sending it in.

It also reduces the changes it will be damaged during transport or handling as well as keep it from being lost during servicing.

At the very least one should backup all their data if they send the HD in.

 

yup yup yup. That's what I'll do. I'll need to protect my documents and my *COUGH*

 

They'll understand that you'll need to keep you "content" secure.

 

Item #5 in the FAQ at thinkpads.com.

 

Don't send it with your hard drive, unless it's part of the fault.

1) It might get damaged during the shipping
2) .. and you might lose your precious work and ____
3) privacy concerns, as they might hack out your ____ and tell your wife/mom/teacher/cat

If you must send it in, rather ghost your hard drive onto another PC, blank/nuke it and then send it in.

 

Don't worry. I'll keep the HD with me. Though, what's the best way to store it? Surely not just chuck it in the drawer?

 

j/k :laugh:

Do you have any anti-static bag laying around? Just put it in one and then you can put it in the drawer, try to find a dry/cool location of course, and you're not storing away your HDD for a really long period are you?

 

That's going to be rather hard to achieve. Where am I going to find a big enough teabag to fit me?!

What about ziplock? Is that anti-static? Oh no, I'm going to need the HD asap for my *cough*

 

Ziplock is not anti-static. But it's ok even if you don't have one, HDDs are far less sensitive than say RAM memory sticks. Do you have any plastic container? Those would be fine, then put it in a dry cool place.

 

Ok. Tupperware it is.

 

I don't know if you've sent in your Thinkpad yet... but if the issue isn't bad (as in you wouldn't notice the problem during normal usage, but know it's there nonetheless), then I highly suggest you do NOT send the computer in for a replacement. I sent my Thinkpad in with this issue, and it was resolved with a different panel of even lower quality. There is no guarantee that you will receive a new monitor for replacement. I received a monitor manufactured in 2005, and the grain was absolutely insane to the point where any light colored image on the screen generated a textured look. Just a heads up.

 

Then, couldn't you just send it back in AGAIN?

 

You dont backup your "data" ? Get an external 2.5" HDD, they are quite small and require no external power supply

 

I do have a 60Gb external.

 

You're missing the point. I've sent my laptop in for the 4th time seeking a solution last Thursday. I will find out sometime this week as to whether there will even be a replacement monitor to exchange with my current grainy one.

 

You can now get 250 GB notebook external drives for under $100.