Main laptop screen dead

Question

Ok - after a long nughtmare, I'm getting close to at least understanding the problem: My laoptop (inspiron 8500) screen is completely black. Not on startup, only after the windows logo has trudged along. Also - it works find in safe mode, indicating that this is a software issue. I have completely reinstalled windows, and completely reinstalled the video drivers several times. Also very odd - if I plug in an external monitor, even out of safe mode, it works fine. Though I cannot use the 'dual monitor' deatuer.. I have to sit here with my neck craned to the side... but at least it's working. Any clues how to get the normal screen back on??? The last thing I want to do is wipe the hard drive, there are too many time consuming conseqneces to that, plus who knows if it will actually work!

johnallg · Answer

Did you load the chipset driver for your notebook?

milohoss · Answer

What's the chipset driver? Can someone advise how to go about that? IS it safe to do?

MikeBi58 · Answer

Hello milohoss,

Welcome to the Dell Community Forum,

I suggest to check the suspend switch,(located above the keyboard status leds) This may require for you to remove the LCD hinge covers,which contains the power button. Your suspend switch maybe sticking. Hope that this helps.

Thanks,

drmajor · Answer

I am having the same issue with my SmartPC/200n laptop.   I installed the latestest BIOS early Wednsday or Thursday, and the system was working fine.   After lunch, Firday, I rebooted and the laptop booted but nothing was on the screen..not even a flicker.   I plugged in an external monitor to the VGA port and got the Monitor #2 image (just the desktop graphic).  Sine there are no menus on that screen, I can't do a thing.   Today, I rebooted with a Start Up disk thinking maybe something had been reset- no help.  Totaly blank screen.   Suggestions? Can the screen be replaced?   Cost???? How can I get the last info off the hard drive?   Thanks.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Was this post helpful?