Help with Laptop problem please!

rosehip

Hello all,

I'm wondering if any of you carlovians are technical?

My 2.5 yr old dell inspiron 1525 laptop, very lightly used has a "backlight" problem on the screen (going dim but computer still on and can see screnn if shine a light on it)

I have no idea about these things and just want to check with yee in case i'm being ripped off as I don't have much money. (The computer was a present from my brother). I've been told this an expensive problem to fix and am better off buying a new laptop.

DO any of you know if this is true??? Not only is the cost worrying me but the sheer waste of it is dreadful! It's only a bulb as far as i can make out by googling it and it does break in dells.

Any thoughts?
Any local computer companies i can trust?

Thanks in advance,

Kind regards,

Rose

rosehip

I'm surprised there are no responses.

Maybe Shaykay or one of the mods could move this to computers for me.

Sorry but don't know how to do it and am desperate as have to make a decision soon.

Thank you,

Rose

ShayK1

Moved From Carlow Forum as requested.

dazzday

Could be a few things but probably more than likely CCFL Bulb failure if the laptop hasnt been dropped or anything?

First off plug the laptop up to an external monitor, if you get a signal than the GPU is more than likely ok.

Next download the service manual for this model, take of the bezel using the instructions and reset any connections you may see. Make sure any wires are not getting pinched at the hinges etc.
Next locate the lid-switch button (on this model it should be a small mechanical switch on the left/right top corner). Check for dirt etc that could be blocking it and manually press it to see if you get any response.

Alas if these steps dont work, its down to one of 4 things in decreasing likelyhood

- CCFL Bulb failure ( = screen replacement ~€100)
- Inverter Failure ( = ~€25 replacement)
- VGA cable failure (= ~€40 replacement...unlikely)
- Motherboard issue (unlikely)

The big issue here is its hard to determine between bulb and inverter, and the only true method I know is if you have access to a mulitimeter to check frequency outputs. (easy if you have access to a GOOD meter)

The inverter is quite cheap to buy and easy to replace yourself, so it should be the first step you try. Try match the replacement with the model no of the old inverter.
If that doesnt work its most likely the bulb failing. Replacing a CCFL bulb is a challenging task and tbh most techicians wont even quote a price for it, instead reccomending a new screen. A screen is gonna cost around ~€100 (maybe less if you find a 2nd hand one), however they are fairly routine to replace and you should consider fitting it yourself if you are competent with a screwdriver!

rosehip

Dazzday,

Thanks a million! Very clear and concise. Also, interestingly, your price for a new screen is MUCH cheaper than amount I was told. Also, i was told it's not the inverter as I can see faint image on screen if i can shine a light on it.
I will look into all this as i am handy with a screwdriver

And most importantly, i'm not under pressure to make a decision now!

All the best,

Rose

PS Wasn't dropped. Only me using it and light usage.

dazzday

For example at about 90e

http://cgi.ebay.ie/NEW-DELL-Inspiron-1525-15-4-WXGA-GLOSSY-LCD-SCREEN-/390035020701?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item5acfe61b9d

Also gives a nice example of how to replace the screen.

Again its not possible to tell from looking if it is bulb or inverter problems as they have similar symptoms. The inverter option is cheaper and you can always resell it on ebay if its not the answer!