Laptop Screen Went Dark

John Scott · Share | #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 07:35 AM

My primary computer, my Toshiba laptop, just suffered some sort of screen failure. The screen went dark light somebody turned out a light. I can still just barely make out the stuff on the screen, just barely, so I know that it is not a complete screen failure, but it is too dark to actually make anything out or use. What would cause this?

John Scott · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 07:58 AM

Also, there is a connector on the rear of the laptop to connect a monitor.　I did so but the external monitor said that it did not detect a signal.

littleFella · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 07:59 AM

Sounds like backlight went out.

This is sometimes caused by lose connector or a bad inverter sending power to the backlight. If you're lucky then resetting the inverter connectors will help. Inverter is usually located in the same panel as the screen, Youneed to look in your manual to learn how to diasssamble it to access the inverter.

Also, see if the light goes back on if you wiggle the screen part back and forth a few times.

But then, if it's a pretty new laptop then the best solution is to replace it. Maybe for a different brand.

While not unique to Toshiba, this issue is known in their laptops more than in others. I am not a big fan of the brand.

littleFella · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Scott

Also, there is a connector on the rear of the laptop to connect a monitor.　I did so but the external monitor said that it did not detect a signal.

This may be solved by cyclcing through the combination of the FN key (blue one, usually arounf the Window, ALT and CTRL key) and the key responsible for video signal output. The second one is proprietary so I wouldn't know how it looks on your laptop. It should be located on the Function keys row and show a little blue icon looking like a symbolic representation of a monitor, kinda little square, or two swuares next to each other.

John Scott · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:03 AM

http://irisvista.com/tech/laptops/To...-display-1.htm

People do that?

littleFella · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Scott

http://irisvista.com/tech/laptops/To...-display-1.htm

People do that?

All the time

John Scott · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:46 AM

Backlight is the problem. Disconnected and cleaned all the connectors but still no good.

littleFella · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:52 AM

there is only so much I can suggest from 1/2 way around the world.
One last try could be making sure the connectors are full length in (sometimes they will go only 2/3 or 3/4 in). If still no go then the inverter would be the next step. The cost between $30 and $100. But I'd prefer no to spend someone's money so treat it just as a vague suggestion and at your own risk.

Is that a new laptop?

John Scott · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 10:14 AM

Old laptop. I'll take it to the repair shop tomorrow.

I figured I would use my custom built computer in the mean time, but for some reason I couldn't get the ADSL setup software to recognize the network card. Sad. It's an awesome computer. Windows XP Professional, 4GB RAM, two hard drives, etc, etc.

So now I'm using a Compaq

Ferre · #10 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 04:52 PM

You can set the ADSL up manually, I had to do that too, does your ISP have a helpline? They can talk you trough it in five minutes.

justinmjs · #11 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 08:02 PM

I concur. Sounds like the backlight went out. And, of course people do that!

kristeejo · #12 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Scott

My primary computer, my Toshiba laptop, just suffered some sort of screen failure. The screen went dark light somebody turned out a light. I can still just barely make out the stuff on the screen, just barely, so I know that it is not a complete screen failure, but it is too dark to actually make anything out or use. What would cause this?

porn popups are known for this

ves_vol · #13 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 08:10 AM

Hi,
My Medion laptop screen went very dark. Hardly I can see windows XP applications. Took it to the workshop, guy said that was problem with screen only and it is fixed. 2h after happened the same.

I returned it to the workshop and they still have it. Problem is that screen work OK for 4h, and itself become darker again, they said to me today.
Got impression that they are not very optimistic.

Do you have any idea, what could be reason and how is possible to fix it??

Thanks