Diagnose video problem

Computer is Compaq Presario R3000 laptop.

Nothing displays on the laptop's LCD screen at any point. Testing for bad CCFL or inverter is negative. In other words, shining a light on the screen looking for a faint image produces nothing; it's just black. As far as the laptop's LCD goes, it is as though the computer is not turned on.

The laptop's fan and hard disk activity light indicate the computer is booting completely into Windows.

In CMOS Setup, I cannot access the item that changes how much memory is allocated to video. It shows 64 megs; but, I cannot even highlight that item.

I connected an external monitor and it shows the POST screen and the initial Windows XP logo screen; but, as soon as it begins to hand off to Windows, the external monitor goes blank and displays a no-signal message.

I'm guessing it's a bad display controller. What do you think?

I just don't have a lot of experience with laptop display problems.

 

Don’t know about your internal display.

But with an external display attached try pressing the FN+F4 keys to switch to it.
Pressing them again should switch to the internal - then both.

 

Try booting into Safe Mode. Although that might not tell you/us about why the laptop screen won't work.

Where the LCD hinges onto the base of the laptop, you will see the screen's connection cable. Check it carefully for any damage to the insulating material.

 

Download on another computer from AVG http://www.avg.com.au/products/avg-rescue-cd/ Boot your system using you other monitor, press F12 to boot up disc run the scanner. I come accross alot of laptops with similar problems and have found a few bugs as the problem. It is a chance!