IBM ThinkPad T42p Notebook Logo
Posted on Apr 23, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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IBM ThinkPad T42 notebook

For no apparent reason, my screen goes black. The computer is still operating and, believe it or not, if I use a flashlight I can light the screen enough to see what's happening on the screen. Any idea what's causing this problem & how/if I can fix it?

  • SharonZ May 29, 2008

    Thanks for the info. I ended up taking my laptop in to both Geek Squad & Firedog for diagnostics. Turns out my backlight lamp is "going." When I first startup the computer, my screen displays but within a minute or 2 it blacks out. My solution? Bought a computer monitor and, while I am now tied to my desk, at least I can use the computer. And this fix was about $400 cheaper than the alternative of sending the laptop to IBM to replace the lamp.

  • Anonymous Mar 17, 2009

    I am also having the same problem. The screen goes blank and then I press Fn+F4 and move it to standby and back again, sometimes it works, otherwise I keep doing this. Very painful

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  • Posted on May 29, 2008
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There is a common problem with this machine; the mother board flexes and the processor mount partly separates from the motherboad. You tube posts a couple of solutions but they involves taking the laptop apart and applying heat from a heat gun to resolder the mount; it is not a solution for the faint hearted. Thinkpad/Lenovo might consider reparing the unit as it is basically a desgn/production defect but don't hold your breath.

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  • Posted on Apr 23, 2008
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Does it happen at a consistant time? Then check the power settings for the computer (screen saver and time to blank the screen.
Also, usually have a little latch of some kind that operate a tiny switch that turns off the backlight when you close the cover. Perhaps this switch is stuck on yours and the laptop may think you have close it. To find it, you must look for either a little spring loaded plunger on the keyboard side, or an opening on the keyboard side that something on the cover inserts into. All laptops have it, but they are all different. When you find it, push on it to verify it works.

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