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Dell Inspiron 1100 screen problem

Discussion in 'Mobile Computing' started by lmark, Mar 26, 2008.

  1. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Hey all, new to the forum and hope you can help.

    My laptop is about 4-5 years old and has been working fine. I pulled a bone headed move a while back and left the car window down and the computer got rained on. I dryed it as best I could and had my brother in law take it apart to check for moisture. He found none inside and powered it up. It worked fine for a couple of days. When I picked it up from him, I took it to work and powered it up. The power lights come on and you can hear it booting up. However, the screen is black. If you look very close, you can see the windows logo as it all boots up but it is very very dim, almost can't see it at all. Aside from the possible moisture problem, has any one experienced these symptoms? Any ideas are welcome as I really don't have the money to just buy a new one. My brother in law is a tv repair guy and could most likely make the repair if we just knew where to start.

    I thank you in advance and hope to here from you soon.

    Larry
  2. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

    It's the Inverter board (which happens to be high voltage, and easily damaged hardware) behind the bezel of the screen. You will need to replace it.
  3. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Wow that was fast.

    Ok, since I am electronically challenged and researching this for my brother in law, can you describe what the inverter looks like, where to look for it, how much it should cost for the replacement part, and where to find the replacement part?

    Again, thanks for your quick response.

    Larry
  4. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

  5. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Ok, which link do I need to go to?
  6. lamo Newcomer, in training Posts: 570

    kimsland, yes, quite inexpensive. but if the signal backlite_ena(which comes from videocard or KBC controller) isn't present, the new inverter board won't solve the problem.
     
  7. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Never mind, I found it.

    Thanks again
  8. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

  9. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Well, what else could it be? Any ideas?
  10. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

    Well it could be the screen !

    Start with the Inverter board
  11. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Wow, you are way over my head. I am assuming that the inverter board is the first step in repair. Is this like a mechanic who just starts trying new parts until its fixed?
  12. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

    Yes start with the water in the radiator and go from there !
    We'll get to the motor later :)
  13. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Ok, so my brother in law will look for the inverter. Is there a part number on it or is that in the manual that I can't seem to download?
  14. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

  15. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    gotcha, chatting with them right now.



    Thanks for all the help.

    Larry
  16. lamo Newcomer, in training Posts: 570

    look, guys... i've just mentioned some cases in my practise. it's about backlite_ena signal. it means, that in some cases replacing inverter board won't solve the problem. that's because this signal is absent. in this particular case, of course, you sholud start from inverter replacing. as for me, i would like to start from cheking voltages which comes to inverter board. lmark, you should remember, that inverter may go down into safe mode(this is overvoltage protection), and the reason can be, for example, broken LCD backlight lamp.
  17. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    They say the inverter board is part of the lcd screen and that the screen will have to be replaced?
  18. lamo Newcomer, in training Posts: 570

    so look for it on ebay. that's normal practise from official techsupport.
  19. lmark Newcomer, in training Posts: 34

    Will do, what exactly am I looking for..........just an inverter board for an inspiron1150?
  20. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353