HowToFixComputers.com

James · Guest

Hi, I have used my TOSHIBA satellite laptop for almost 3 years, and it
runs great. However, recently, the LCD screen suddenly turns dim, I
can still see the graphics on the screen, but it is really very dim. I
think it is because the backlight lamp is down. I try to close the
lid, and reboot the laptop, it still does not work.
But the strange thing is that: If I plugged an external monitor to the
laptop, and reboot, the LCD screen will work again.
After the LCD works alright, I can unplugin the external monitor, and
it will work well even if I reboot again without external monitor.
The LCD screen has gone dim occasionally. It really happens rarely;
and if it happens, I just use an external monitor to help "start" the
LCD screen, and it will be OK.
Anyone has the idea what is wrong with my LCD screen? The backlight
lamp should not be burnt (otherwise it will never work again). So
guys, can help me identify the possible causes?
Thank you!

Barry Watzman · Guest

This is more likely an inverter issue if it's hardware at all. However,
your post almost suggests that this might not even be a "failure", but
could be due to a power management setting in Windows or the BIOS.
Check those out first. If the screen is EVER capable of "full
brightness", the tne problem is most likely not the lamps or the LCD
panel, but rather either a power-management setting or the inverter.
From your perspective, this is the best outcome, because inverters are
relatively cheap (they are not "cheap", but they are still 80% less than
a new LCD panel and 75% less than replacement lamps IF you could get the
lamps replaced). A new inverter is likely to be in the $50-$75 range.

James wrote: