Member Avatar for chrysalyst

(Running Windows XP on Compaq Presario V5000)
Hi..
First of all, I've already done some troubleshooting, so this may help with your thoughts on the problem.
My LCD screen is not working properly. When I turn the laptop on, I can see a dim one-time flickering at about the time that the Compaq screen is changing to the Windows boot screen, although I can't see any images, and the whole screen is not brightening.
I tried hooking the laptop up to an external monitor, and I got to see the boot process up to the Windows boot screen, and then nothing else. I could "hear" the desktop startup chime, but that's all.
I ended up rebooting the computer in safe mode, and whalaaa, there was my desktop, although only on the external monitor. I reinstalled the display driver and was able to boot up normally with no problems...except that I still only have external display. I've tried toggling between both the laptop and external monitor, but still nothing.
At this point, I'm thinking that I just need a backlight replacement bulb?
(There's only a short flicker when screen changes are supposed to be taking place, which is towards the bottom of the laptop screen.)
Anyway, I would appreciate any suggestions!
Thanks!

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Dani AI

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Quick expert note: the symptom pattern described in the thread most commonly implicates the backlight/inverter chain rather than the graphics chip or Windows itself. 's suggestion to try the inverter first is a practical, low-cost next step. Before buying parts, run a couple of quick checks to narrow the fault so any replacement is targeted.

  • Flashlight test: in a dark room, shine a bright flashlight at the screen from an angle. If a faint desktop image is visible, the LCD is receiving video but the backlight is not lighting — this strongly points at the inverter or the CCFL tube rather than the panel electronics.
  • Visible-image/boot check: watch for any faint BIOS/POST image during power-on (before Windows loads). A faint boot logo again supports a backlight issue. If there is no image at any time, the panel itself may be failed.
  • Inspect and reseat connectors: the inverter board sits behind the lower bezel and the LVDS cable attaches to the panel and motherboard. With battery removed, carefully remove the bezel (follow a service guide) and check the inverter connector and the main display cable for loose pins or damage.

If the flashlight test shows a faint image, try replacing the inverter first — typical inverter boards for older Presario models are inexpensive compared with a full panel assembly. To order a matching part, read the label on the back of the LCD panel (the panel model/part number is printed on a sticker) and search for that exact number. Exercise caution: inverter circuits generate high voltage, so disconnect power/ battery before touching anything and consider professional help if unfamiliar with laptop disassembly. If the inverter replacement doesn’t restore backlight, the CCFL tube or the LCD panel is likely the next component to replace. For background on the kind of backlights used in older laptops, see Cold-cathode fluorescent lamp.

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Member Avatar for che1ne

First you cant just replace the backlight/ bulb, you have to Replace the whole LCD screen, but before you do that try replacing the LCD inverter , i have done it many times and it works. Hope this helps.

Member Avatar for chrysalyst

First you cant just replace the backlight/ bulb, you have to Replace the whole LCD screen, but before you do that try replacing the LCD inverter , i have done it many times and it works. Hope this helps.

Okay...I will try that. MANY THANKS TO YOU for responding!!!!

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