Does the problem happen in Windows Normal Mode only or also in Safe Mode and/or the BIOS?
Check in Safemode with networking. Restart the computer and tap F8 at Dell logo. Select Safemode with networking.Check if the issue persists.
Also, check in BIOS. Restart the computer and tap F2 at Dell logo. Check in BIOS.
If the problem only occurs in Windows Normal Mode, then most likely a video driver or software is the problem.
Try to determine when the problem first occurred and restore Windows to a point prior. Another option would be to install the latest video driver from the Dell support site.
If the problem occurs in all modes of Windows as well as in the BIOS, then the problem is hardware related.
Drain Power:
Make sure the computer is off
Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer
Remove the computer's battery (If you have an M11xR1, M11xR2, M11xR3 or M14x you need to remove the Service Cover on the bottom of the Chassis)
Hold the Power Button for 1 minute (the computer is not expected to turn on) to drain any static electricity from the computer.
To isolate the issue, run the LCD diagnostics on the computer. Restart the computer by holding the “D” and Power button.
Ran the LCD diagnostics (it didn't show anything except a gray color at the end of the test).
...And everything works fine with an external screen hooked to the laptop.
Since the laptop is out of guarantee, I want to make sure what's wrong before investing more money into it: replace the LCD, replace the video card or buy an external monitor.
Sorry for the late response, I had very little time to perform all the tests since the original post.
Dell-Rajesh R
4 Operator
•
3.3K Posts
0
June 20th, 2013 02:00
Hi wookiegt,
Does the problem happen in Windows Normal Mode only or also in Safe Mode and/or the BIOS?
Check in Safemode with networking. Restart the computer and tap F8 at Dell logo. Select Safemode with networking.Check if the issue persists.
Also, check in BIOS. Restart the computer and tap F2 at Dell logo. Check in BIOS.
If the problem only occurs in Windows Normal Mode, then most likely a video driver or software is the problem.
Try to determine when the problem first occurred and restore Windows to a point prior. Another option would be to install the latest video driver from the Dell support site.
If the problem occurs in all modes of Windows as well as in the BIOS, then the problem is hardware related.
Drain Power:
To isolate the issue, run the LCD diagnostics on the computer. Restart the computer by holding the “D” and Power button.
Post back the results.
wookiegt
2 Posts
0
January 19th, 2014 21:00
Thanks for the response.
I tried the following with no help:
Restored windows and drivers.
Reinstalled windows.
Ran alienware autopsy.
Ran the LCD diagnostics (it didn't show anything except a gray color at the end of the test).
...And everything works fine with an external screen hooked to the laptop.
Since the laptop is out of guarantee, I want to make sure what's wrong before investing more money into it: replace the LCD, replace the video card or buy an external monitor.
Sorry for the late response, I had very little time to perform all the tests since the original post.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
0
January 19th, 2014 22:00
That sentence makes me think the motherboard and video card are ok.
Look toward internal LCD or interface cable. You might want to let a qualified service tech take a look at it.