No backlight on SmartStep/Smart PC 250N

Question

I've been struggling with a SmartStep/SmartPC 250 N laptop for about a year. There are times when I have no backlight at all. It's been back to Dell twice for LCD replacement but returned without repair because my LCD checked OK at their workshop. I've been away on business for a month and the backlight functioned normally every time. I'm now back home with the laptop connected to my home network (Belkin 4-port router), and guess what, I have no backlight again! It sounds crazy - but is there some reason why the backlight should malfunction when the laptop is connected to a network?

DELL-Corey · Answer

Goodgriff,

Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum.

No, there is not a reason that should happen only on a network that I know of.
What happens if you connect an external monitor to the computer, do you get an image even when the system’s LCD is black?

Goodgriff · Answer

Yes Corey, a perfect image on the external monitor.

setec0001 · Answer

Is it possible your hitting the Fn key and the key to switch between the LCD/CRT ?  Just a thought.

Goodgriff · Answer

Thanks for the thought - but no I'm not.

setec0001 · Answer

When you say no backlight.... Do you mean its pitch black or that you can see the screen but its dimmed?  Just curious.

Goodgriff · Answer

I can see a very, very faint image.

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