*fumes*

[enismirdal]

Eni is currently not a happy Eni.

Eni got back from lectures, started her computer and found the screen was really dim, to the point where she had to sit with her nose inches from the screen to read anything. An unfruitful trip to the computer office which consisted of 50% being quizzed about my antivirus software and 50% unsuccessful attempts to fix my computer has not helped at all, whilst ford_of_bruinen on Google found some much more likely-sounding ideas and so on.

The conclusion appears to be that my backlight and/or inverter are ****ed. The computer is only usable at present when there is a desk lamp shining directly on the screen, and even then it's a struggle.

Leaving me with 2 courses of action:
1. Buy a new backlight and bribe some sort of compsci friend to replace it, hoping that's the problem (or else use Dell repairmen, which will cost a lot more and considering the calibre of compscis around in this city, probably a waste of money). (Persons willing to assist me in this option will be provided with copious amounts of chocolate and/or alcohol, obviously!)
2. Buy a cheap monitor (preferably plug and play, altough failing that, with some coaching I could probably install the drivers whilst squinting at this screen) and use that.

In the meantime, Eni will be absent from all IMs, although I should still be able to check all e-mail in college computer rooms. LJ will be read; MSN groups should hopefully be checked.

Oh, and I might actually even do some work, perhaps!

Comments

[senji.livejournal.com]

If you can produce a plan for transporting it, I may be able to produce a spare monitor from our loft; although I don't know at the moment if it works (this can be tested before it leaves the house though!).

[senji.livejournal.com]

That is a spare CRT, not TFT. On semi-permanent loan, since I don't seriously expect that we're likely to need it in anything like the forseeable future.

[enismirdal.livejournal.com]

CRT seems to be what my computer wants anyway, if the "CRT/LCD" button is anything to go by. In order to acquire one of these things, I would be quite happy to get taxis both ways, to be honest. :) If you're OK with that, it would be really wonderful. Do you have a suitable connecting-monitor-to-computer lead that can also be borrowed, or should I pay Maplin's a visit?

*hugs lots and lots*

[atreic.livejournal.com]

I have a car, although very little spare time. If you can coordinate with my schedual I'll move the monitor ;-)

[enismirdal.livejournal.com]

Wow! *feels all happy and loved* How are you free tomorrow (or Sunday)?

[ewx.livejournal.com]

I'd be rather surprised to discover a monitor that required drivers to be installed.

[enismirdal.livejournal.com]

Well, when the computer office woman plugged my lappie into one of their monitors, nothing happened except that their monitor showed a "no signal input" type of Blue Box, and mine stayed exactly the same. It wasn't until after that that I learned what the CRT/LCD button on my computer did, so I can't tell you if she tried using that button...

[beckyc.livejournal.com]

I believe I can get hold of a free second hand monitor for you, if you'd like me to then let me know (is v time limited thing which relies on some not being chucked out yet!). It would be big and heavy, so I'm not sure how I'd get it to you!

[enismirdal.livejournal.com]

I will definitely keep it in mind, thanks! *hugs*

I love knowing Cambridge compscis. You people are teh wonderful.

[natsci-mark.livejournal.com]

The ucam.adverts.giveaway list quite often has monitors (mainly CRTs) for free so might be worth a look. Screens don't generally need drivers, so you should be able to just plug it in.

If on the other hand you'd like to fix it cheaply, this might come in handy.

[mdavison.livejournal.com]

Ok, I have some experience with dell laptops.

This is the internal monitor, and VERY specific to the machine in question.
If the machine is out of warranty, you will have to buy a new one.
I can fit this no problem at all.

Before you get one (which incidentally includes FINDING one, tho for your machine that should not be too difficult) It is worth checking the cable connection between the monitor and motherboard, if that is loose it will stop the backlight from working.

I can come over and check this at your convinience. (and incidentally retrieve the part number you need to order a replacement.

[enismirdal.livejournal.com]

There's no rush now I have Senji's monitor set up and working, thankfully - but how about the next time the CTS are over at mine? So I am going to need an entire new screeny thing? *sigh* Aah, well, I guess I will have to deal with it sooner or later anyway. If you're OK to give my computer a poke, I'll make sure there's something to nibble within reach :)

By the way, is it any indicator of what might be wrong if I inform you that when the monitor has been powered down for a bit (either cos it was switched off or because the screen turned off cos the computer was idle for more than 30 minutes), when it comes back on it is very briefly normal brightness (maybe 0.5s) before going dim again?

[mdavison.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, all that tells me is that is probably isn't the cable connection.

Laptop screens tend to use a different (more complicated and expensive) backlight system to Desktop LCDs for size and weight reasons. This makes replacing a tube (as referenced in a post above) not possible. This generally means you need a new screen.