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Laptop Display issues

LaserFistLaserFist Registered User regular
edited May 2009 in Help / Advice Forum
Hey, I've been lurking for quite some time and am need of some tech support. Toshiba's support is pretty much worthless so I thought I'd give here a shot.

My laptop, a Toshiba Satellite, has started having display issues. When the ac adapter is plugged in the monitor is completely black. I have sound and such but can't see anything. When the computer is running purely off of battery power the display and everything works just fine. Plug in the adapter and the screen goes black again.
I have tested it multiple times and the display doesn't work when the laptop is plugged in. My only guess is the ac adapter has a short.

Thank you for any suggestions or advice on how to fix the problem.

LaserFist on

Posts

  • I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell UpI'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    LaserFist wrote: »
    Hey, I've been lurking for quite some time and am need of some tech support. Toshiba's support is pretty much worthless so I thought I'd give here a shot.

    My laptop, a Toshiba Satellite, has started having display issues. When the ac adapter is plugged in the monitor is completely black. I have sound and such but can't see anything. When the computer is running purely off of battery power the display and everything works just fine. Plug in the adapter and the screen goes black again.
    I have tested it multiple times and the display doesn't work when the laptop is plugged in. My only guess is the ac adapter has a short.

    Thank you for any suggestions or advice on how to fix the problem.
    i doubt that's in since a short would either mess up the computer or wouldn't charge it.

    a better explanation would be that your laptop has 2 power settings, one for while it's on the charger, one for off. sounds like the light on the back on you computer got set too off rather than brighter (which is default). just change it back in power options in your control panel and you should be good to go

    I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up on
  • LaserFistLaserFist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Well I just set the power settings back to the defaults. The problem is still occuring. There are 3 general power options(balance, power saver, and high performance) and the ability for custom options. If that helps at all.

    At least for now I know my adapter isn't the culprit and it actually charges my computer.

    Any other ideas on what to do or where to look?
    I could be missing something.
    Thank you.

    LaserFist on
  • RedDawnRedDawn Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It sounds like the power inverter in the screen is going bad. The inverter is what supplies the voltage to the back light in the screen.

    If it is still under warranty get it sent in to have it fixed. If it isn't under warranty you can sometimes find inverters to fix it, however it can be a pain to do.

    RedDawn on
  • LaserFistLaserFist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thank you, it seems like that may be it. The screen is starting to flicker and such. It is no longer under warranty and I am not very good with computers and fixing them.

    Any idea on how expensive such a repair may be?

    LaserFist on
  • RedDawnRedDawn Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Usually you can find that part for under $100. But if you have to take it somewhere it can get expensive really fast. You should be able to hook up an external monitor to it if you only need to use it as a computer and you aren't worried about portability.

    RedDawn on
  • I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell UpI'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    RedDawn wrote: »
    Usually you can find that part for under $100. But if you have to take it somewhere it can get expensive really fast. You should be able to hook up an external monitor to it if you only need to use it as a computer and you aren't worried about portability.
    yeah most computer places charge an absurd amount of money to put this in... new laptop kinds of money

    I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up on
  • LaserFistLaserFist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Well I just checked Best Buy and its 300 just to look at the computer and then more on top if you actually want them to do something about it.

    Thanks for the assistence.

    LaserFist on
  • LaserFistLaserFist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Update, so it seems replacing the backlight and power inverter aren't terribly complicated. I was mainly worried soldering was involved since I do more burning than soldering. I'm also quite sure its just the backlight and inverter now as when I shine a strong light at the screen I can still see an image.

    I was just wondering if this site seemed decent enough, or is the proper thing I'm looking for.
    http://www.fonerbooks.com/laptop_5.htm

    Thank you for the help and suggestions. It has saved me a great deal of worry and time.

    LaserFist on
  • RedDawnRedDawn Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Yeah that looks pretty good. If I were you I would only buy the inverter, but if you can get both parts, it wouldn't hurt.

    Also make sure you keep track of your screws, plastic cups are great for this.

    RedDawn on
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