Black Screen - Is it dead?

TequilaMockingBird

Laptop was working grand, but I was using it last night and the screen flickered a bit, then about 2 inches of black came onto the lower part of the screen, then it turned completely black.

When I re-start it, it makes all the usual noises, and "pings" when I need to use my password so I know the rest of it is working, but it's still black - but not as black as if it was off, it's a lighter black - iykwim? No writing on the screen at all.

It's about 5 years old, Dell Inspiron, pretty knackered - but did the job. Has it finally died on me?

Any help appreciated.

Freeman

It might be the CCFL -Cold Cathode Fluorescent Light, that's gone. It's inside the screen assembly. Try hooking the laptop up to a monitor and if you get your normal display, it's more than likely a component within the LCD screen as opposed to an onboard graphics problem. Go to this site to diagnose your problem more exactly:

http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/lcd.htm

Start at the top of the flow chart and follow it all the way. Each decision provides a link to further instructions.

Webmonkey

If you hold the laptop up to a light or look at an angle, you might be able to make out an image. If so, as above, either the light or inverter has packed in. Inverter is simple enough to change.

TequilaMockingBird

Thanks lads, it's beyond me but I'll get someone to have a look in case it is salvagable.