Help! My Laptop Screen Has Gone Blank

[bangkokrick]

I have an HP dv1000 laptop and as i was installing printer drivers the Laptop hung and the screen went blank. I have restarted the machine many time and it boots ok but the screen is completely blank. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this problem. The laptop is around 18 months old.

Any advice would be much welcomed.

Cheers, Rick

[lopburi3]

You don't get any display prior to Windows? Have you attached an external monitor? Have you tried F8 to get into safe mode (not much help if no screen but not sure if you are getting anything or not).

Probably should advise what operating system you are using.

[bangkokrick]

You don't get any display prior to Windows? Have you attached an external monitor? Have you tried F8 to get into safe mode (not much help if no screen but not sure if you are getting anything or not).

Probably should advise what operating system you are using.

Thanks Lop,

I am using windows XP home edition and since i first posted i have now got a very dark screen and its difficult to see the windows desktop.The machine boots ok so its a bit strange. I have been through all the trouble shooting solutions and non of them have worked. Things like adjusting the monitor brightness and turning the computer on and off. I also managed to run MS system restore, but still no joy.

Any suggestions anyone?

Cheers, Rick

[Firefoxx]

What people are asking is: is the screen normal prior to entering Windows? Saying it boots OK isn't very clear.

If it's normal prior to windows, then you've probably killed some system file/setting. In that case, backup your important data and reinstall windows (probably from a recovery disk/partition).

[bangkokrick]

What people are asking is: is the screen normal prior to entering Windows? Saying it boots OK isn't very clear.

If it's normal prior to windows, then you've probably killed some system file/setting. In that case, backup your important data and reinstall windows (probably from a recovery disk/partition).

Hi Firefoxx thanks for your reply. It hard to see the screen as its very dark, but i can just make out the windows desktop. I believe the screen is normal when it boots and i also get the usual windows start up tune. I have tried to use the recovery disc but again its very difficult to see the screen. To make it clear the screen is dark throughout the boot process.

I will try the recovery CD again.

Thanks Rick

[Crossy]

A very dark (but visible) screen suggests a failed backlight, so it's probably a coincidence that it all went pear-shaped during a software installation.

I suppose it's possible that you've accidentally hit the keystoke to switch to an external monitor, so before running to the repair chap, try hitting whatever keystoke that is supposed to be (time for the manual).

If that doesn't help then it's going to need a visit to the doctor I'm afraid, not a DIY (or unfortunately cheap) job

Edited September 23, 2007 by Crossy

[tjo o tjim]

The other obvious setting to check is your backlight brightness key. First thing to do is to try and hook up an external monitor though! That simplifies the troubleshooting; locate the monitor select (internal/external/internal,external) button and play with it to toggle between modes.

Also, do you have a problem indoors or outdoors? There could be a failed ambient light sensor, although I am not familiar enough with HP laptops to know if it has one.

[JetsetBkk]

A very dark (but visible) screen suggests a failed backlight, so it's probably a coincidence that it all went pear-shaped during a software installation.

If this is the problem, you could try "Add or Remove Programs" in Control Panel to undo (remove) whatever you just did (installed).

Also, as a last resort, you could try "Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore" to get back to your previous system configuration. This has several times saved me after a s/w installation problem.

Of course, you still need to be able to see the screen so best of luck with the little bit of illumination you have!

[bangkokrick]

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the late reply but i have been travelling. Thanks for the advice on the problem with the laptop, but having tried all your suggestions and failed i will now take the laptop to the repair shop. Luckily i have an old spare that i can use in the meantime.

Cheers, Rick

[britmaveric]

Sounds like a hardware issue.... not much one can do except bring it to the shop.

[bangkokrick]

Cheers Brit i will take it to Panthip tomorrow and get it fixed.

Thanks, Rick

[britmaveric]

Cheers Brit i will take it to Panthip tomorrow and get it fixed.

Thanks, Rick

1. Loose wire

2. Video card going bad

3. LCD or backlight bulb is going bad

Pretty rare in new machine, but shi*e happens. Report back when its sorted and let us know what the problem was and how it was fixed.

[bangkokrick]

Cheers Brit i will take it to Panthip tomorrow and get it fixed.

Thanks, Rick

1. Loose wire

2. Video card going bad

3. LCD or backlight bulb is going bad

Pretty rare in new machine, but shi*e happens. Report back when its sorted and let us know what the problem was and how it was fixed.

Will do Brit. I just hope its one of the first two options, but i think it may be the LCD. i will keep you posted as it may help someone else in the future.

Just out of interest where are you from in England.

Cheers Rick

[britmaveric]

Just out of interest where are you from in England.

Cheers Rick

Oxford

[bangkokrick]

Hi Guys,

Once again thanks for the advce on trouble shooting my laptop problem. I took it to Panthip and the guy repaired it in around an hour cost 1000 Baht so not too bad. It was a hardware problem and as someone mentioned it was the backlight that was faulty. Anyway up and running again so back to being a Thaivisa addict.

Cheers Rick

[britmaveric]

Good news mate, I was fearing the lcd was going out - then its almost as cheap to buy a new notebook.

[bangkokrick]

Me too Brit it was a pleasant surprise when the bill came to only one thousand. I have used this guy for repairs on two occasions and i think that he is pretty genuine. If anyone wants his mobile number let me know. There are some sharks out there!

Cheers Rick