Inspiron 9100 -- Motherboard issue? Or video card issue?

Question

The backlight on my 18-month old Inspiron 9100 recently burnt out.  I found a good deal on a replacement lcd panel, and had it installed by a technician who is Dell-certified.   When we tried to boot the computer, however, the screen flashed, the fan went crazy, and the screen remained blank (not just dim, blank).  We turned the computer off after a few seconds of this, and when we booted it the second time, the number/scroll/caps lock buttons all flashed as if the computer were going to boot, but after five or six seconds, the whole computer just shut down.   I have tried all possible combinations between my two lcd panels and two invertors, and the computer fails to boot in every configuration.   To me, this looks like a motherboard problem, but I've heard that it could also be a problem with the video card.  What does it sound like to you?   P.S.:  If it really is the motherboard, it's doubtful that I'm going to throw another $400 at this machine.  What brands do you find produce the most reliable and quality laptops?  I hear that HP has fewer problems than Dell. Message Edited by cthall on 12-03-2005 12:18 AM

cthall · Answer

Yes, I had it plugged into my television set for a while before the new lcd arrived. It also worked with other monitors. I only thought (hoped, rather) that it may be the video card because the problem seems to have arisen from switching lcd panels. I can't think of WHY this happened though.

(Thank you for your opinion of HP, too.)

Message Edited by cthall on 12-02-2005 11:43 PM

ejn63 · Answer

It sounds like a mainboard issue. Did the system work with an exteranl display before you swapped the panel? If anything, HP is worse than Dell on reliability, service and support.

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