Lcd screen black on laptop. External monitor works.

You can switch to an external monitor or data projector by two methods. 1. Connect the external monitor to the laptop's video port, power up the external monitor first and the laptop. The video information will automatically switch to the external monitor. 2. If you power up the laptop first then you can switch the video output to the external monitor by pressing the Fn key and one of the Function keys, depending upon your make and model laptop. You can also toggle between the external monitor or both LCD screen plus the external monitor or back to LCD screen only by pressing the Fn key plus one of the function key. Here is a list of key combinations for some of the laptops :- IBM ThinkPad = Fn + F7 HP and Compaq = Fn + F4 Toshiba = Fn + F5 Dell = Fn + F8

Have you tried an external monitor?

Plug in an external monitor and see if the display shows up on it. It can be any kind of monitor even the old big fat crt monitors as long as it has a vga cable to connect to your computer's vga port. If the display shows on the external monitor that proves your video card is ok and your lcd screen is the issue. The video will show on most systems when you reboot without you having to do anything. Some systems will require you to hit the FN (Function key) + F1 thru F12. Hold down the FN key then hit the correct key for displaying on the monitor (F1 thru F12). The correct key will normally have CRT/LCD on it or it will have the icon of a display.

If is shows on the external monitor, then you would have to question if the new screen and lcd inverter is bad. Just because they are new don't mean they work. Are you sure you purchased the lcd screen and inverter that is for your model?

Replace the LCD, it's faulty.

There could either be a problem on your LCD screen, or Graphics card, to determine it. Try plugging an external monitor on your laptop and see if the display turns black also on the other monitor. If no, the problem is the LCD, but if yes (still black screen on the external monitor) it means the problem is on the graphics card.

Only way is to replace your lcd screen if you dont want to spend on a external video card,heres a parts break down of your machine ,

http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8500/en/8500/sm/system.htm#999507

Cheers Misterdj
Honestly buy the external card or a second 8600 and transplant the lcd
Please rate me thanks

It's probably the wrong screen, cable ,or inverter; in spite of what the repair shop tells you .
Also, sometimes the cable gets pinched if not installed carefully, or the cable connector may need to be re-seated.
Is your laptop a Dell Precision M60 ? I'll see which screen it's supposed to have.

Since the external monitor displays and dim image on the laptop's LCD screen then the fault is the LCD backlight and it could be the inverter that supplies high voltage to the CCFL lamp or it is the CCLF lamp is burnt out, most likely this is the case.
The inverter can be replaced easily but the CCLF lamp is more time consuming and requires soldering skills.
Check out www.lcdparts.net for parts, repair service and DIY info.

Ok, when connecting to another monitor, be sure to use the Function Key, and press the appropriate F Key to enable an external monitor. Without doing this, you will never see an external picture.

If that picture is fine, then yes, you need to think about your video card, and I would start with updating the driver.

Erik.

Can you hear the Windows startup noises but can't hear it?

Does it work plugged into an external monitor? (Any good CRT or flat screen should work.


Be sure to plug in the screen before you turn it on.
If it doesnt output to the LCD automatically you may have to hit FN-F8 to switch to external.

If it works on external monitor you are just dealing with a screen problem of some sort - either a bad inverter or backlight in the LCD most commonly...

Let us know.

Hi,
Based on your troubleshooting, it certainly is the lcd that we are having problems with. It can be the cable or a back light problem. first try to reseat the cable. use this manual to guide you. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/wsM60/en/UG/index.htm

if it doesnt work, try to call dell. they have a grace period of 5-10 days from expiration date of warranty. if still no luck, call spareparts 800-3573355. purchase the lcd from there and install it yourself using the manual i gave.

hope this helps.

thanks.