Video problems after Windows 10 upgrade and subsequent rollback to Windows 7

Hi YOSHI00,

If the system works fine with an external monitor, then we could definitely suspect the LCD itself. In order to isolate the issue, turn off the system. Press and hold "D" key and Power button to turn on the system. On the LCD itself, the screen should start changing solid colors. If it does, then the LCD is fine. This is the LCD built in self test - http://dell.to/1ow1G4W

Also, turn off the system and press and hold the "fn" key and power button. It should initiate the diagnostics. If you encounter any errors, make a note of the complete error and report the same to us. 

If there is no display when you initiate either of the tests, then the LCD might have gone faulty. This is just a co-incidence and drivers would not cause the LCD to go faulty. It should work outside the OS environment. 

If there is display when you run the tests, then the LCD is fine. So, you could go to device manager and uninstall all display adapters. update the BIOS from - http://dell.to/21y0qdO and restart the system and check. If the display comes back, then download the video drivers from the same site and install the drivers.

If the system is under warranty, then contact us via Twitter - @dellcares for faster communication. If there is no warranty, then we can help with a paid service call if required.

If you wish to replace the parts yourself, then you could contact - http://www.parts-people.com/  - see direct link - http://bit.ly/1R1YE23

Lastly, your system model is not compatible to work with Win 10 - see this link - http://dell.to/1RRxqsj

Keep us updated.

When i ran the test holding the D button and Power button I got a white screen flash and then it stopped.

When i ran the Function and Power button it ran diagnostics.  The screen was very very faint.  I could see the words in the background and was able to make it out with a flashlight shining on the screen.  It said there were no errors.  It appears to be a backlight problem.  However, I would still like to try to reinstall the Intel graphics 3000 driver which i believe is the correct driver.  I can't seem to find the bios update or the drivers on the dell website from the link you provided.  Can you please point me to the direct link for these files.  Also confirm how I remove the driver and reinstall.  Do I download first, remove and then reinstall?  Thank you for all of your assistance.   

Drivers here:

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That said, this is almost certainly a faulty screen -- there is no inverter (the backlight is LED, not CCFL) -- so the screen needs to be replaced first.  If by chance that doesn't solve the problem, it leaves the other possibility - that it's the mainboard instead of (or in addition to ) the screen that has failed.

********Post made on 18 March - stuck in loop - made repost*********

Hi YOSHI00,

Since you state the LCD test had only white screen and the screen was very faint while on the diags, I would suspect the LCD itself. The graphics drivers work fine as the display is seen on the external monitor. However, you could try reinstalling the same - check the links:

BIOS - http://dell.to/1LTGlg3

Video Drivers: http://intel.ly/1gNbLGf

Download the BIOS and new drivers first. Uninstall the existing video drivers from device manager and control panel -> programs and features - restart the system and then install the new video drivers.

If you manage to isolate the source to be the LCD, then the LCD needs to be replaced.

Presuming the system is out of warranty, you could contact us via Twitter - @dellcares for faster communication and we can help setup a paid service call.

If you choose to replace the parts yourself, then you could contact - www.parts-people.com and order the parts through them.

Let us know if you have any other queries.

I purchased a new LCD and installed it but still have no display.  I tried to update the bios and it said it didn't need to be updated since i was already running A03.  I tried to install the video drivers but my system is 64 bit and the link was for 32 bit.  But I did download and install the 64 bit but that didnt fix the issue either.  It must be hardware and something other than the LCD itself.  Any other suggestions?  Thanks.  

Hi have not replaced the LCD ribbon yet.  I think that will be my next attempt.  i haven't taken the keyboard off yet to reset the cable.  I figured I would wait till I get the new one before I start taking more things apart.  I am not really clear on how to get to it.  Anyway, as you said I may just invest in a new machine.  Thanks for your help.

Hi YOSHI00,

Thank you for the update.

At any point, should you need help, write to us via the forum or for faster communication, contact us via Twitter - @dellcares

Thanks.  I started to attempt to replace the LCD cable but it seems quite complicated.  Much harder than replacing the LCD.  I have another question before i continue with this repair.  

Is there an LCD close switch somewhere on this laptop.  As I see a faint image sometimes I read on a forum that the computer may think the lid is closed and not turn on the backlight.  This computer was having issues where it was not shutting down when the lid was closed so I am wondering if that is something that i can check before i take the entire computer apart.  Thanks for your help,.   

Hi YOSHI00,

The service manual should help assist in helping you replace the cable. If you find it complicated, I would suggest you to get it replaced by a local tech, perhaps?

There is no physical switch as such for the LCD close. Since you had previously mentioned that the display is faint and some image can be seen when an external light is focused on it, it is an issue with the inverter -read more here - http://bit.ly/215SXUO - However, in most displays, the inverter is part of the LCD assembly. And hence, you had previously replaced the LCD.

You could try reseating the LCD cable and check before you go ahead and replace the same.

Keep us updated.