Carina,
If the display appears blank it could just be the backlighting in the LCD. If you are a very technical person (or know someone that is) you can take the plastic bezel off of the LCD then separate the metal bezel that holds the LCD display against the backlighting module and power the computer up, assuming it is the backlighting module is bad you will be able to hold a light source behind the LCD you will see the display. If that is the case eBay is full of people selling off parts from laptops and I suspect that a backlighting module could be had for around $50 US. Else, you can buy an entire LCD module for around $200 us and just replace the entire assembly.

Hope this helps
Robert

Very interesting. My Dell Inspiron, purchased 13 months ago (is this a coincidence?) also had the monitor blackout problem, in the last two days. I booted with the Fn key held down and one time I couldn't see the results, but after unplugging the computer and removing the battery for a hard reboot, I let it sit over night (to cool- the battery pack was hot). Today I booted it up and the monitor is back. I don't expect it to last, but it is a curious development. BTW, the only error code that came back on the diagnostics said "invalid AC adapter". Odd, since it's the one that came with the computer.

I do appreciate learning that Dell was no help, since I have been unable to reach them, so I won't waste any more time on that. And the second note is very helpful--I'll print it out and bring it to my local computer geek for help when the monitor blows again.

Best of luck,
Lynn

Friends,
I see on a separate thread what appears to be the same problem. One person says the backlight is failing (esp. could be true in my case where the problem is intermittent). Another person says whether the problem with backlight is caused by a bulb or the inverter failing, the cost to fix should only be $110-150 (I assume USdollars).

Anyone else on this thread having the problem intermittently?

Best,
Lynn

thanks....such a new computer though, sad to have that happen already. If I let it cool, it will be on for awhile.  but not long enough to do much. wonder if the bulb can be tightened or something? mine makes a slight hissing noise before it goes out..

mine does the exact same thing.  less than 16 months old it happened. I can use an external monitor, but if i let the laptop cool, it will work for a bit.  i hear a slight sound before it goes off.

lana

thanks for the replies

reassuring to know I am not the only one having problems.My computer is currently in being looked at by an "expert" so awaiting his diagnosis. This has not given me great confidence in Dell Laptops. One would expect that a new laptop would be problem free for alteast afew years, or am I expecting too much?

Carina

i there i have a inspiron 510m that the screen is just very dark you can shine a light on it and just about see things,it happend before and i rang dell they told me wot to do i cant remember wot i did but it involved booting up holding two keys down ,this was in fact when we first got the lap top its now 10mnth old im not impressed but there seems to be no warrenty on it .i also have another 510m altho its fine and a 4600 dimensions home pc which the monitor packed up after 10 mnths and had to replace.dont think dell will be getting any more of my money or of my friends. cheers paul. 

Here's an update. After leaving the computer shut down and uplugged for about 24 hours, I've had no further problems (so far). I do shut it down and unplug it every night. Not sure whether that's the solution or not.

BTW, a previous poster mentioned something which I also did and may have helped.

If you hold down the function key and boot (from turned off state), the Dell goes through a long diagnistic process. My problem was that I couldn't read the screen when because it was 90% dark. After I waited, I did this again, and this time I could see the questions and reports. It can take 1/2 hour, so don't try to do it in a rush.

Would love to hear if anyone has had their monitor repaired, including cost and actual diagnosis of the problem.

Best wishes,
Lynn Kelly