Do I need to buy a new laptop screen?
Are you having problems with your laptop screen but are unsure as to whether this requires the purchase of a new replacement? As a general rule, you only need to buy a new replacement screen if you can physically see signs of damage on your old one, for example, lines, (either vertical or horizontal) streaking across the display or a broken backlight. So, for example, if your screen is cracked, it is less than likely that it will be repairable. Cracks cause rupture in display films and subsequent leakage of liquid crystal.
Laptop screen problems
Causes and solutions
Lines running across your screen, (either horizontally or vertically,) are, conversely indicative of one of two things: either your machine is faulty or your screen requires replacing. To assess which of the two problems you are experiencing, connect your laptop to an external monitor. If an image appears on the monitor, the display is at fault, not the machine. In that instance, purchasing and fitting a replacement screen will solve the problem.
In other cases, however, other solutions may be fruitful. Take the problem of dead pixels, which occurs when the transistor responsible for directing light through each pixel’s component sub-pixels, fails causing a permanent black or “dead” spot. In some instances however, it is possible to fix the dead pixel using either manual manipulation or specialist software. The manual manipulation method requires you to gently press on the affected area with an implement such as a rubber: the aim being to cause the liquids within the display to move and the pixel to come unstuck. Please note however that this method is not foolproof and, can in some instances, lead to further display damage. The software solution, in contrast, involves running a program which flashes images, (of various colours and intensities,) in a bid to unstick the dead pixel.
A dim screen is indicative either of a broken backlight or a malfunctioning inverter. To test which, press the front panel on your screen to see if an on screen display appears. If it does, it is the inverter at fault: a malfunctioning inverter will fail to sufficiently light your display, leaving the panel dim.
Screens that are completely black and do not render any image are caused either be a faulty backlight (CCFL,) or voltage inverter, (which supplies the necessary power.)
Lastly, a flickering screen, or one that blinks on and off, is caused either by damage done to the cable which connects the inverter to the motherboard, (If this is the case, check to make sure this cable isn't twisted, as can occur when repeatedly opening and closing your machine,) or the operation of the inverter, connected as it is to the circuit board which supplies electricity to the screen.
