Dead Laptop back light
 

Dear Tech Forum,

I have an old laptop that the back light died on. The Geek Squad quoted me something fierce to have them fix it (don't remember the number, but I do remember it being cheaper to buy a new computer basically). I have a new lap top, so if I fuck up the old lap top in the course of this project I am not that worried.

Have any of you replaced a back light? Is it tough? What would I need? Costs?

Always,

Thedric R. Damnington

Well, are you any good with electronics? And how sure are you that it's the backlight; it could be a connection problem. Also, what brand laptop is it? This is important because parts might not be readily available/damn expensive.

I think it would be much easier to just buy a new screen and swap parts.

It is a Gateway. What happens is this: everything is practically black on the screen, sort of like if you put it on a really dim setting, like dimmer than would be practical for anybody to actually use. The Geek Squad Guy seemed to think a new, expensive backlight was the ticket. By good with electronics, what do you mean? I can solder stuff, but like I said, if I get my dick caught in the zipper on this I won't be heartbroken. This comp is about 6 years old.

How would I do the screen swap?

Here's the process if you want to go the backlight route:

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/lapto...ght-ccfl-lamp/

Here is a specific tutorial for a Gateway, replacing the screen inverter (Apparantly, the LCD is too intergrated with the light on some Gateways so it's best to replace the whole inverter)

http://members.cox.net/rbstrickland/backlight.html

(Probably best to combine the two if your Gateway is similar)

By "good with electronics," all I meant was you won't electrocute yourself or something and you can at least use a screwdriver.

As for replacing the whole screen, it can be as easy as removing a few plastic panels and screws; that's how it is on my Dell Inspiron.

Pain in the arse. Get a new laptop

My Dell has been the same way for about a year now. The only way I can do anything with it is if I use natural sunlight during high noon and whatnot. I keep saying I'll buy a new PC sometime soon but I keep putting it off, putting it off, putting it off...

I think I will buy a new PC sometime soon though.

Yeah, I've had a new one for awhile now. I'd been meaning to give this project a shot as something to do. If it does turn out to cost a lot or be a pain in the ass it isn't going to get done and the old comp will probably sit here for another five years.

That's what will happen, cause it's no easy task.