Laptop Screen Went BLACK

decross · 16th June 2002

I am using a Gateway SOLO 5150 laptop that has a 14.1 inch TFT screen. A couple of days ago, while the computer was inactive and only the screen saver was showing, the screen went black. It seems as though the backlight, or whatever illuminates the screen, is not working. (You can faintly see the Windows logo when it boots up, be there is no illumination of the screen.) When plugged into an external monitor, it works fine. I've checked the "shading" controls and settings in BIOS and there doesn't seem to be anything out of order.

All this is complicated by the fact that I am currently working at a remote job site in Asia and am faced with either trying to get it repaired locally or taking it back to the USA. (Or perhaps it'll be too costly to repair??)

If it sounds like it could be something simple and can be repaired at a reasonable cost, I'll probably try to see if can be done where I'm at. If, on the other hand, it sounds like the whole screen needs to be replaced, that might not be a good idea.

I bought the computer "used" as a rebuild a year or so ago - so I don't really know how old it is. I'd guess maybe 4 years.

If anyone has any experience or relevant comments as to what it sounds like the problem could be, I'd like the input.

Thanks in advance.

decross · 18th June 2002

HELP! I still need some input on this if anyone has any suggestions. I need to send the computer to a technician in about 48 hours and any advance comments will be appreciated.

Ski52 · 18th June 2002

Welcome to Windows Help!!

It sounds as if it is the backlight that has given up in your laptop. It's a neon light tube that inserts into the LCD. The ones we use have 2 tubes. I imagine yours is near the same.
They are relatively easy to repair IF you can get the parts. The LCD manufacturers don't particularly like to sell just the light tubes without the entire LCD assembly. The tubes we use are salvaged out of faulty LCD's.
If you can find a tech/shop that can get used parts, you will be in good shape, otherwise you might be looking at an entire LCD replacement - $500.00 and UP and in some cases I do mean UP.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Murphy's Law says prepare yourself for the worst , cuz it's prpbably gonna happen!! At least in my case!!

Good Luck - again WELCOME

Ski

decross · 19th June 2002

Thanks, Ski. Apprecite the input!

I'm going to leave the computer here (in Indonesia) while I'm gone for a month. I hope it's something they'll be able to fix for a reasonable price. I certainly am not willing to invest $500 or more in it!

If you, or anyone else, happens to know where I might be able to find the neon lights you refer to (in USA), it might be helpful if the parts can't be found here.

Thanks again!!

Ski52 · 19th June 2002

Wish I could be of more help! We use 10.4" LCD's made by either Sharp or NEC. So I'm pretty sure the parts wouldn't interchange.
Keep us posted as to the outcome....

Good Luck

Ski