Dell Inspiron 8100 LCD Screen - Temporarily black/white/red at start up. Why?

Question

Hello:   (New community user - please be gentle).    My (ancient) 8100 Inspiron works well, and has all current Windows security updates and uses McAfee Security Suite.  However, during the past two or three months it has started to have a black screen during the (long) boot up.  More specifically, the top 3/4 of the screen is black and the lowest 1/4 is white and/or mottled red.  This eventually gives away to the (normal) all-over blue screen and then eventually the default M/Soft screen.    I tend to watch all of this with some morbid curiousity, waiting for the screen to melt like hot wax.  :-)   The same black/white/red scheme happens in reverse at shut down, although as it is the last process, it is relatively quick to disappear.   It may not be related, however, I notice that just before the computer screen is finally ready to use, 2 or 3 small black pop up screens appear with the DOS cursor blinking on black, but they close up in 10-15 seconds.  (The file extensions are gone before I can read them).  This is a new thing, too.   I have just updated all MSoft and McAfee, and run all scans for virus, malware, etc.  Nothing found.   Any ideas or suggestions or fixes?  Would be very appreciated.   PS  Would it have anything to do with the pathetic wobbly hinges, or is that a 'red herring'??

ejn63 · Answer

Sounds like a backlight bulb in the throes of death.

agripix · Answer

Thanks for the reply.  Can I do any diagnostic to determine if your hunch is correct?  If it IS the bulb, can it be replaced (easily), or is the LCD Screen ? Thanks, Colin

ejn63 · Answer

Attach an external monitor. Does it display properly?

If so, it's very likely the backlight bulb. Although the bulbs are inexpensive ($20 or so) they are not trivial to replace - you need to know how to solder delicate electronic parts. For about $100 or so, you can have an LCD specialist change the bulb.

agripix · Answer

Thanks for your help.  Much appreciated.  I'll try it.

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