Laptop screen dark - can barely read

It could be that the back light is failing and needs replacing if possible or it could just be a display setting that has altered somehow on a shutdown. For some reason windows changes settings randomly when you shut down on occasions so if you go into the display settings and change the contrast and brightness setting and the screen is easily readable again I wouldn't worry. But if that has no effect you'll most likely be up for a replacement screen on the NB as from my reading of the Dell Destruction Manual you can not change the back light. but it might be worth checking the ribbon cable from the monitor has not become loose and is no longer making proper contact.

Col

I had the almost the exact same thing happen to a newer Inspiron at work a couple months ago. Lucky we buy everything with 3 year warranties. If you've fiddled with everything that can be fiddled, I'm sorry, it's a bad LCD. Check your local vendors though. I had an IBM LCD blow out of warranty and they were going to zing me for $750 for replacementm, shipping, and labor. I found a guy around here that pulled it off for $425, and it works great. Sorry to be the guy that breaks the bad news. Good luck.

Definate backlight failure if it is out off warranty I've seen replacements on the net.the tubes come in standard sizes a replacement screen to much $$$$$$

Kind regards,
Matt

The dark screen is caused by a bad inverter board. This component supplies the high voltage needed to light the screen. This is an inexpensive part and not the hard to install. But should be done by someone that has experience with laptops.

Plug your laptop into the power outlet.

Parts are avaible here.

http://www.laptopsetc.com/

Lee

Hi, How did this situation turn out for you? I have the same problem with my Inspiron. It also started about 4 months after purchasing it. One thing that I did discover was that if I connected an external monitor to the notebook, I could then hit Fn-F8 a couple of times and the notebook LCD display would restore back to normal. Does that help with determining the cause? Anyone? Thanks.

I had to replace the LCD and now it works fine. The F8 did not work either.