Laptop video issue

**Harner** · 05-10-2010, 01:18 PM

I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 that is 6 years old. It's surprisingly still (was lol) a decent machine.

Specs:
60GB hdd (upgraded from 30GB)
1GB RAM (upgraded from 386MB)
Linksys Wireless N PCMCIA card (upgraded from on board Intel Wireless B)
15.4 WXGA
Nvidia Go5200 32MB
Battery lasts about 2-3 hours yet
Windows XP SP3
Pentium M @ 1.4Ghz

Symptoms:
Recently, the laptop has a video issue that happens about a minute after loading Windows. When you boot the machine, the screen looks normal and loads just fine. After about 30 seconds into Windows, the screen goes black but you can still barely make out the wallpaper and apps running. After a forced reboot, it does the exact same thing.

After 6 years, this just started happening. Before I take it apart and attempt to repair it, I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what to look for. I figure the backlight is the main thing to check out.

Yes, I googled and didn't see anything too exciting.

**sycld** · 05-10-2010, 02:21 PM

All I can say is "Yes, it's almost 99.999% sure to be an issue with the backlight."

Also, it's pathetic how little processing speeds have changed. Damn you thermal dissipation limit!!! *shakes fists*

**MrTroy** · 05-10-2010, 03:24 PM

Strange that the back light only goes out after booting it up though. Usually backlights are either off, or very intermittent if failing. Maybe its the video card, or video card driver? See if there is an updated driver, that's easier than taking apart a laptop.

Also, does your laptop have a screen brightness function key? Most laptops allow to adjust the brightness; if not you can get to it from the Control Panel, see if the brightness setting corresponds with how dark it actually is.

**Nermy2k** · 05-12-2010, 09:42 AM

This exact problem happened to my old compaq (roughly from the same era as your laptop).

I ended up just using it as a desktop with a monitor attached to it for a while, but then when I reformatted it, the screen came back completely and then the computer died for good a day later. I'm pretty sure your motherboard is on its way out, but you can't really complain if a laptop lasted for 6 years.

**Harner** · 05-14-2010, 12:55 PM

I bought an lcd inverter for under $8 shipped from ebay. If it works - great. If not, then it's time for a new laptop lol.

I have another laptop that needs some work done to it so maybe I will resurrect that thing or just buy a macbook pro. Disposable income ftw.