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    HELP - Vaio Black Screen!

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by jungletrekker, Mar 21, 2011.

  1. jungletrekker

    jungletrekker Newbie

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    Hi... Im using a donated Sony Vaio VGN-A517S for my work
    About a month ago, the screen just went black after the VAIO image came out but I can hear Win XP running and even Avast updated online!!! Ive used an external monitor and the same problem exists!
    Some say its the bulb or inverter - Ive even followed a suggestion of unplugging the power cord from the laptop,take out the batteryn and press the power on button for 60 seconds. It still wont work....but at least the wallpaper came out briefly B4 it went black again....
    HELP....I need help.....any suggestions please? I cant afford any laptop....
    whats the most likeliest reason please?
     
    jungletrekker, Mar 21, 2011
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  2. Gracy123

    Gracy123 Agrees to disagree

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    Hi,

    if the same problem persists with an external monitor, it is 100% sure that the faulty part is not the lamp or inverter! If I understand right the external monitor goes black too?

    If so, it is most likely the video card that has gone bad.
    This is bad for itself but the good news is that according to the specs I found under your model, you should be having a dedicated ATi Mobility Radeon X600 video card, correct?
    If that's true it most likely is not soldered but just in a slot and can be easily replaced. I had the same card on my previous laptop and resold it for about 30 euros as used and that was an year ago. So you should be able to find one cheap.

    However, first make sure that this is the video card you currently have and that it is not soldered. You will have to open the laptop.
     
    Gracy123, Mar 21, 2011
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  3. jungletrekker

    jungletrekker Newbie

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    Yep...same problem...screen on the external monitor remains dark - can VERY faintly see the icons while Win XP running as usual. Youd think its the Video Card eh?
     
    jungletrekker, Mar 21, 2011
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  4. ota-con

    ota-con Notebook Deity

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    I also think it's a video card problem.
     
    ota-con, Mar 21, 2011
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  5. Gracy123

    Gracy123 Agrees to disagree

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    Yes. Sounds like it. it is for sure NOT your screen, lamp or inverter as they have absolutely no influence over the external screen. It is most likely the video, which in your case is not too bad, as it most likely is a separate card which is easily replaceable and costs less, especially as second-hand.
     
    Gracy123, Mar 21, 2011
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