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i8500 VGA out works, LCD doesn't
I have an i8500 with the Radeon 9600 card that started exhibiting a really frustrating problem today. I was using it with a projecter...working great. I powered down the projector and the laptop, disconnected them, and returned to my desk. Upon powering up, the LCD panel doesn't work. I've tried hitting Fn-F8 many times, and that doesn't revive the LCD.
If I start the laptop up with the monitor disconnected, the LCD works through the POST and while windows is loading, but right before it gets to the XP login screen, the LCD turns off (backlight and all), and I then have to plug in a monitor to do anything.
Like I said, I tried the Fn-F8 thing, and that didn't work. I upgraded to the latest video driver, and still no dice.
Ideas? Did the digital output from the video card to the LCD controller get fried somehow?
If I start the laptop up with the monitor disconnected, the LCD works through the POST and while windows is loading, but right before it gets to the XP login screen, the LCD turns off (backlight and all), and I then have to plug in a monitor to do anything.
Like I said, I tried the Fn-F8 thing, and that didn't work. I upgraded to the latest video driver, and still no dice.
Ideas? Did the digital output from the video card to the LCD controller get fried somehow?
436
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Posted May 13th, 2004 07:00
Is there nobody out there, that can verify if this fault is caused by a hardware failure or not???
Best regards
zEnterHacker
447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 07:00
I should add that I am also having i8500 with the Radeon 9600. Maybe this batch of i8500 is affected with this issue... Btw I bought my i8500 last June447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 08:00
Mine is also from around summer last year
, so I guess You could be right about the batch.
Anyway please report back in case Dell is able to fix it!
Regs.
zEnteHacker
447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 12:00
Okay, so it turned out to be a hardware issue, but not what you'd think. Somehow the user had bumped the little suspend pin (near the display hinge), causing it to get stuck in the down position. I guess the ATI drivers check the status of that pin, and if it's down, it turns off the LCD. I replaced that part, and it worked perfectly, but only after re-installing frickin XP, as requested by Dell support. I hope this resolution makes it's way into their Knowledge Base - perhaps it'll prevent a few people from having to reinstall.447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 13:00
I think it depends on what warrantee you have. I was able to get them to send out the top bezel. I think they called it the "power bezel". It took about 30 seconds to replace.447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 13:00
I have the rapid response depot warranty. Do you have the instructions to replace the power bezel.
Message Edited by cooljet on 05-13-2004 09:24 AM
Message Edited by cooljet on 05-13-2004 09:43 AM
447
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Posted May 13th, 2004 13:00
hey, u know what - my little suspend pin also seems to get stuck in the down position. How do you replace that? Will Dell do it under warranty?
Thanks
165
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Posted May 13th, 2004 14:00
Instructions aren't really needed. Just use a screwdriver in the little slot on the left side of the bezel to pry it off. Make sure you have the screen fully open when you do this so that the hinge covers can come free. There's one small ribbon cable that you'll need to disconnect when you remove the bezel.165
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Posted May 13th, 2004 14:00
thanks
hope this solve the problem - just got Dell to send out the part to me...
cooljet
52 Posts
436
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Posted May 13th, 2004 07:00