Frustrated, if you can help PLEASE DO

I'm trying to figure out why the screen is black (completely black, doesn't turn on at all, no curser no boot) Ive tried all the ideas I've found on Google including : Completely Discharging the Power, Replacing RAM, External Monitor, Checking for blown Capacitors, ETC

The Laptop is
Toshiba Satellite A215-S5818

I cannot get a display out of it either internal or external so updating BIOS isnt possible unless you know a trick. But everything works otherwise. CD-Rom lights up and opens, HDD Spins, Fan Works, its been a long day and i'm at my breaking point. Please if you dont have anything positive to contribute dont reply. AND PLEASE DONT CROSS SPAM MY THREAD.

 

Usually, one of the display options work [laptop display or external], but since neither works could be a motherboard problem.

To verify the external doesn't work, hook up the monitor to teh VGA or similar port and hit the "Fn + F5" key. Hold down Fn and tap F5 again or until an image is displayed on the external monitor.
Model Content Page
Please see "User Guide page 70" for more info.

If nothing is displayed, then I would guess motherboard issue. If image is displayed on external monitor, then your LCD laptop screen or the power-inverter to the screen is bad.

If no one else is able to help/figure it out, I would consider taking it to a local repair shop.


Good luck

 

Thanks for getting back to me so quick. I'm getting nothing on the external monitor. I was told this was due to BIOS but not sure how to test that since I cant get any display. Also was told to look into changing out the BIOS battery that is soldered on the motherboard. Any ideas?

 

Do you know if the comp boot into window,?because fn key may not work untill you get into window, also try this :

Plug to external monitor
open up your lid a little bit
turn it on
close the lid ASAP

If that still dont get anything out to the external monitor, you pretty much have to bring/send it in for reapir.

 

Do you notice any noises/beeps when you turn on the computer?

My Toshiba had the same symptoms as you except it was accompanied by 3 beeps: 1 long, 2 short, which resulted in the diagnoses of a failed gpu.

Of course, it could also mean that there is an issue with the motherboard as mentioned above or an issue with the RAM.

If you are comfortable tinkering around, you might want to try reseating your ram as this is one of the easiest things to do to see if that helps (always make sure the computer is off and disconnected with the battery removed).

Good luck and I hope you find the solution quickly!