Dell's White Screen

Hi All,

Using a Dell Inspiron 5000e with Windows 98se and getting an annoying completely blank white screen. The battery is fully charged and also running it with outside power. Occasionally the screen has a slight flicker and then goes completely blank. All attempts to get the Windows screen back are unproductive. The only thing I can do is to shut the computer down and let it rest for awhile. After startup and using the system, the cycle starts again.

So far the Dell Support has not helped. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Any suggestiions? Thank you.

 

It sure sounds like heat buildup since after it's rested (cooled down), it'll work for a while. Have you checked all the air vents to make sure they're not blocked? Maybe vacuum them to be sure.

Also, does the fan ever cut in? If not, it may just be a failed fan which may or may not be easy to replace (not a whole lot of experience with laptops).

 

Replacing a fan on a laptop is slightly more difficult than on a normal PC, and while possible from a user-end, it is better done by a professional, and if under warranty, must be done by the original dealer, or else will probably void the warranty.

Of course, this assumes the problem is the fan. I had a similar probelm w/a toshiba laptop recently, altho the screen would simply freeze, instead of go blank. That one we determined was definitely the fan at fault.

 

Miz, PeteC, and Ryder

Thank you for the responses. Originally, I too thought that the blank white screen could be a heat problem. To agree with Ryder, repair of such a problem would be difficult. Let me give another possibility. I left the battery charger on overnight and when I turned the computer on yesterday morning, a blank white screen, immediately. Since the computer was inoperative overnight, I think this removes the heat possiblity. Conversly, last night I removed the charger and this morning the system came up normally and I'm writing this response on it.

In fairness to Dell I did receive a detailed reply to my e-mail to them. I intend to try all their suggestions involving adjusting brightness, attaching an external monitor, flash/upgrading the BIOS, and reinstalling the battery. If I learn anything of significance, I'll post back. Again, thank you for your interest.