A friend dropped his Inspiron 7500 from about 3 feet. The computer still works and apart from a few broken pieces of plastic it suffered no major damage - EXCEPT - the backlight doesn't work. I know the LCD display itself is still working because I can see the images on the screen if the ambient light hits it just right.

Questions: What is the backlight source? How does it work? Is it possible that a connection came loose inside the display panel or is it more likely that the lamp / light is actually broken?

I think the laptop is out of its warranty period (even if this might have been covered). So, I am willing to try to find a loose connection if someone can tell me that taking the display panel apart is does not require special tools / or can be seriously damaged without special expertise.

However, I am assuming I will be told it should go to the factory. Anyone have any idea what this might cost?

Another factor: We live in Hungary.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave James
WOL Hungary