Laptop screen dark

Hi
OK I'm just guessing that this is a hardware problem?? I don't know for sure though.

My wifes laptop screen is dark, you can see things but it's hard to see.

It looks like the left side is a little darker then the right side of the screen.
I check the brightness and contrast, this really doesn't help, the screen will lighten up but the quality of anything showing is bad then.

I checked for driver updates, but there doesn't seem to be a update.

It's an HP Pavilion, a little over a year old. figures HUH

Any ideas anyone.

Thanks
Geri

 

Geri,

Name, rank and serial number ......... we are going to need the specific model number. I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to do you much good but be aware there are a couple of different monitor technologies. It definately sounds like a screen problem and it could be very simple, however ............

The first thing I would suggest is that you plug an external monitor into the laptop's 15 pin video port and see what kind of image you get on the external. This will help isolate the problem to either the laptop display itself or the laptop's on-board video card. If the external demonstrates a similar "darkness ", then its most likely the graphics processor itself. If the external looks real good, then we need that model number before going forward with additional steps.

Just to prepare you, these puppies are a lot easier to take apart than one would think. On the other hand, if the display itself is the problem, things can sometimes get a little "pricey." Its way too early to call so I probably shouldn't even mention it - lets just call it food for thought.

 

Hi Rockster2U
Thanks for the reply.
Ok here's what I found out, My monitor won't work on it, but, when I unplugged the AC power supply unit from the laptop and it was just running on the battery the screen lightens up to normal.

So I guessing it could be the power supply unit?
I don't have another one to test it with, I have a old Sony one but I don't know if power supplies are universal?

Could it be something else?? can you give me any ideas if it's not the power supply what I might check from there.

FYI.
HP Pavilion
dv6108nr
SN CNF6400327

Also I should mention that my wifes cat likes to get on it and has laid on the keyboard, don't know if it could have pushed anything on there to cause this?

Thanks
Geri

 

Hi Geri

Looks like you pegged this!

Does the cable appear to charge the battry?

The cable is shorted and likely dangerous not only to you but to the computer if it gets flexed around and finally melts down.

Take it with you to a Circut City or Best buy to see if they may have one.

Or perhaps an independent computer repair shop. Lots of times some one leaves that stuff if the computer is really dead!

Likely will work on many computers!

Best answer get it on order from Mfg website.

Mike

 

Well, it sure could be the AC adapter and I guess the only way to find out for sure is to buy a new one. I'd point you to doing a google search for the exact HP adapter. You should be able to find one in the $35 range. I believe you'd be floored with HP's price for buying this from them.

 

Hi
Ok thanks guys.

I will see what I can find, I hope that's the problem.

I will let you know when I get one and if it works,

Thanks again.
Geri

 

Geri,

TonyT raises a very good point and its certainly worth further investigation before running out to spend money on a new AC power adapter. You should be able to go to your power settings and check out the differences between the power profiles of #1 A/C power and #2 Battery Power. There will be differences like screen saver timing, monitor blanking, hibernation & etc that you can probably leave alone, however, what you are searching for is anything that may affect the display brightness. If you are lucky you may find something but if you don't, that doesn't necessarily rule out what Tony has referenced.

 

Hi
OK Tony that was it.
I checked the hkeys menu and it said to push fn key then F7 to darken and F8 to lighten display.
That did the trick, lightened right up

Thank you.
Geri

 

Nice Catch TonyT.

Geri,

If you are concerned about this happening again, you might want to edit the following key under HKLM > Hardware > Device Map > Video \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\ {meow+meow=chachacha}00000x00000003(3)

 

Hi
Thanks Tony,
I told my wife she needs to close the laptop, I believe the cat is cold blooded and uses it to stay warm.

Rockster2U

LOL
Dave just came up with a new tool that uses a dummy entry then deletes the key, I'll tell my wife that I'll use it on the cat if things keep happening like this !

Thanks again
Geri