Member Avatar for ajsmug

Recently I dropped my Sony Viao Laptop. Before I dropped it the laptop worked fine. When I picked the laptop up, the LCD screen was all messed up. you could see the full windows page, but it was smaller than it was originally. the right 1/3 side of the laptop screen is now black and on the bottom of the screen, it mirrors the top so you get a double image, ex. when i put my mouse on the screen i see it in 2 places. however it is only a partial image, its like the screen keeps repeating itself. Also there is a Grey line that goes horizontally across the laptop, even through the black areas. NOTE WHERE THIS LINE IS, IS WHERE THE SCREEN REPEATS ITSELF! I checked the connections for the LCD and they were fine, also the LCD itself is bright in the back, i dont see any black spots. Any clue to the problem? I was just going to replace the LCD but I am not sure if that is the only problem. for reference, the LCD is a SAMSUNG 15" XGA LAPTOP LCD DISPLAY LT150X3-124.

Additionally when I boot the computer up, the screen is mssed up as well. When I connect an external monitor to the VGA port, the monitor comes up fine. I wasnt sure whether it was the inverter, or the LCD or something else. but the display is only bad on the LCD, not external monitors. Does this help at all?? Has anyone ever seen this?

:eek:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by mikemikemike

Dani AI

Generated

Short diagnosis and where to look

Because the external VGA output displays normally and the built-in panel is corrupted even before the OS loads (as described by ), this is almost certainly a hardware fault in the display assembly — not a graphics driver or Windows issue. That rules out software fixes suggested by . The most common culprits after a drop are the display cable (LVDS/eDP) at the hinge, the panel’s timing/controller electronics (T-CON), or physical damage to the LCD itself. The inverter is unlikely here — it only affects backlight brightness, not the kind of duplicated/partial image you’re seeing.

Simple, safe checks to do first

  • Power down, remove AC and battery, and ground yourself.
  • Remove the LCD bezel and visually inspect the ribbon cable where it runs through the hinge and at both connector ends. Look for kinks, torn wires, or bent pins; reseat both ends and test.
  • With the machine powered and image visible, very gently flex the hinge or wiggle the cable while watching the screen. If the artifact changes, the cable/connector is the likely fault. If nothing changes, the panel/T-CON or the glass/driver array is more likely.
  • Avoid pressing hard on the LCD glass. If you see visible cracks, the panel must be replaced.

Repair choices and practical notes

  • If wiggle/reseat testing implicates the cable, replacing just the cable is the cheapest fix. If the artifact is stable or pressing near the top changes nothing, replace the whole panel (that replaces the T-CON too).
  • Check warranty/accidental-damage coverage () before doing anything — OEM repair can be costly (). If repair cost is too high, using the laptop with an external monitor is a reasonable interim solution.
  • If not comfortable opening the lid, a pro shop can do the tests above and confirm whether a cable or full-panel swap is required.

These steps narrow the fault quickly and avoid unnecessary part purchases.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for ShaneMcP

Don't drop things :D Got a warranty? If so, use it :P

Shane McP

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

If you want to repair the unit, I would recommend sending it into Sony and letting them fix it professionally. Doing otherwise might cost you a bundle and still leave you with a busted laptop.

If the laptop doesn't have warrenty coverage or they won't cover the damage under the warrenty (I can't imagine that they would consider that covered damage), it would probably cost more than a new system to repair it. I would recommend that you just use the busted laptop as a desktop system by attaching a monitor and other peripherals to it and purchase a laptop to replace the broken system.

Member Avatar for acecaps

I use a Toshiba Satellite p15 and have been experiencing the same problem. With my unit, I have come to the conclusion that it is not a hardware problem but a software problem. I have been able to periodically reset it through the BIOS (press __ to enter setup when you first turn the computer on). Up until this morning it went from being the right 1/3 of the screen to being centered (1/6 on each side without the horizontal repeat). I wish I could be more help for you, but I have yet to find a permanent software fix for this. My advice, when it comes time to buy a new computer, save the one your trying to repair for light duty and go back to a desktop. Laptops are more trouble than they are worth. See if you can find the right driver for your monitor as opposed to the generic Microsoft "Plug and Play" monitor. Update your video card driver as well if possible. Hope this saves you a little stress. Will post if I find a solution.

Member Avatar for mikemikemike

Dude! he dropped it and when he picked it up it wasn't working properly, it can't be software. It's gotta be a hardware issue. One of my customers brought one in just like you're describing and the laptop actually looks like he dropped it from a tenth floor so I'm assuming it's the same issue.

So... let's think hardware, what could cause this problem?

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