0

Sometimes when I start my laptop the screen does not turn on and stays blank/black and dark. It used to happen on rare occasions (couple of times a month max) but now it happens almost everyday and I have to force power down and restart up to 20 times before it works.

I have googled around but most suggestions say the screen is dead which is not the case as when it does start I can use it for hours on end with no issues. It has 16GB of RAM and 1x2.5" SSD and 1xmsata SSD. I thought it could be maybe a power issue so I removed one SSD and it made no difference. I've tried with and without AC adapter and also tried removing the battery and holding the power key.

Specifications:

  • Dell e7440
  • Intel i7
  • 16GB RAM
  • 2x SSD (1x 2.5" and 1x msata)

Any suggestions?

Improve this question
10
  • 1
    Sounds like the backlight inverter is failing.
    – Moab
    Commented Sep 23, 2019 at 21:46
  • 1
    Look at the event log off your OS to determine if it's actually starting up. There may also be clues in there as to what's going on.
    – I say Reinstate Monica
    Commented Sep 23, 2019 at 21:51
  • Ahh yeh perhaps, any idea of a easy way to confirm that? thanks
    – ysoulja
    Commented Sep 23, 2019 at 21:52
  • 1
    So the machine isn't booting the OS. This may mean you have a bad motherboard, or possibly bad RAM.
    – I say Reinstate Monica
    Commented Sep 23, 2019 at 22:53
  • 1
    Or flaky disk... to test, run OS from USB.
    – DrMoishe Pippik
    Commented Sep 23, 2019 at 23:42

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

While not a definitive answer in your particular case, but often times with laptops, the connection from the motherboard/GPU to the monitor is easily worn out and/or loosened. Though this can occur even through normal usage, its much more likely if the opening and closing of the lid has been a little rougher than average. I'm not insinuating this is the case in your situation, since even years of use or frequent use can be the culprit.

Again, this isn't necessarily the cause of your issue, and some would reason that if it were a hardware issue, it'd be more constant or permanent. I've opened up the guts of a few tablets and laptops, and can assure you, if the connection is somewhat loose, it won't necessarily be a constant issue.

If you'd find it helpful at all, I can provide photos of a laptop's internal architecture. Though I would not advise attempting to repair this problem yourself, I have simply fastened the connection back in place on a few tablets in the past, which resolved the display problems. Again, while not highly advisable, should you choose to attempt any type of disassembly, I'd implore you to check your manufacturer's documentation as most provide instructions in this process.

Improve this answer
2
  • I've taken many laptops apart previously so it's definitely worth a shot. Could you send me the photos you speak of? Thanks
    – ysoulja
    Commented Sep 24, 2019 at 18:40
  • If its the monitor/gpu cable would that stop the OS loading? As it does not seem the OS is loading when the screen doesn't turn on...
    – ysoulja
    Commented Sep 25, 2019 at 20:03

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .