laptop backlight problem.

[integerspin]

My Dell Precision[M50] screen gave a few minor flickers[screen didn't die just went a bit dimmer]
at 6 oclock and at 9 it went black.
I couldn't see anything on the screen when it happened, but in better light I can see it's on. I am using it at the moment with it connected to a monitor.

I take there is something wrong with the back light power supply?
But I see the Dell Bios logo when it boot's!
Does windows have some control over ity or is tje graphics card and the change from VGA to something else.
I am just about to try shutting it off and see if the backlight works with a bootable CD.
Anyone know anything about these things..


I think it's the Backlight itself?
I dimmed it right down and rebooted it and the screen stayed on after the bios screen. It has a very red tint to it though. I have had it on an hour now and it's stayed and and if I take it up to bright it goes bright and the red tint disapears. So laptop surgery due in a few days, I may just get the old Itronix out;-)

[gss03]

Give Dell a call even if the machine is out of warranty! 0844 338 1033
They will run through some tests with you and tell you what the problem is.

You could try the dell screen tests which might tell you something

When the machine is shut down hold the "D" key and power on the machine - it should cycle through the dell screen test.

Another one to do is when the machine is shut down press and hold the Fn key - that will run a full dell diagnostics test on the machine and again as part of that run the dell screen tests.

[[GSV]Trig]

If its the backlight then its a new screen, you might find it'll be the cable or the inverter tho.

[integerspin]

If its the backlight then its a new screen, you might find it'll be the cable or the inverter tho.

I just bought another backlight[£7]. I though as I didn't know what was wrong, best to replace the cheapest part first...

The backlight comes on, if you boot it with the light turned down, but not with it bright. However it goes out after an hour or so.

[[GSV]Trig]

Fair enough if its a screen with an easy to replace backlight.

[integerspin]

Fair enough if its a screen with an easy to replace backlight.

I have just found a site with pics of an inspiron having the backlight
replaced, doesn't look easy! OH well I have bought it now..

[filbert]

Good luck changing that, I did one once, never done another!
You'll pick up a screen and inverter cheap for that.

[integerspin]

I have seen pics of one being done and it does look a bit of a pain.
I have never seena cheap screen for one of these. seen complete
working laptops cheaper than screens. I would hate binning this,
so want to fix it..

[filbert]

One here for £26ono

[integerspin]

Cheers...
Have to say I didn't look for a complete screen!
I had looked at the prices when I was going to sell my M40
It appeared I would have made more breaking it. The parts for
sale did seem to be selling and for quite good prices[especially screens].
At least I know if I mess up fitting the backlight I can get a screen.