Before you replaced the screen, it would have been a good idea to check with an external monitor whether the problem was the panel, or the mainboard.  It sounds like it's the mainboard itself that is faulty though.

Thanks. Yes, I had already attached the laptop via cable to tv/external monitor. Initially, on the ext. monitor, I was indeed able to see boot process (for safe mode, as well), and could run psa+ tests. Interesting, while I could not see bios, F8 boot choices and F12 diagnostics psa+ tests on the laptop screen, I could follow them on the external monitor.

On normal windows opening, when the windows logo and sound began, I could see that on the laptop and I could see my desktop there, however the display width was 75-80% the size of the screen, the height nearly filling the screen top to bottom and the display shown on the left side of the screen with black in the remainder. It was very dim and the brightness controls on keyboard (Fn + up/down) were inoperable. At the same time, the display of windows opening to desktop on the external monitor was bright but still the brightness controls made no difference on the external monitor. And the display width on the ext. monitor was also 75-80% the size of its screen but was shifted to the right instead of left.

Finding broken wires within the lcd cable where it rubs on the display lid hinge, I decided to order a replacement. I'm worried that some sort of short occurred that might have backtracked to some other electrical components. Already worried that I had motherboard problem (the video card integrated), I'm now more worried something is indeed fried in the video card or elsewhere, motherboard related.

In the interim, since I first posted, I have removed the hdd and connected to another computer. It spins up without worrisome noise and I can view folders and files via windows explorer on the other computer. By the way, when the hdd was in the problem laptop and I get the few seconds of attempted post, I can hear what I think is the hdd trying to begin spinning and then, of course, the whine of power down. Sounds like power goes to hdd, which I have no reason to think is bad, whether I use battery alone or ac adapter alone but something disconnects the power and shuts down. I can do this repeatedly. In fact, if I keep the power button pressed, it will seem to come to life, (3 leds all solid green) and whine to stop and then start this brief attempt over and over as long as I have the button pressed. I have removed power sources and held power button on to drain off any static and that did not help.

By the way, before I was getting all 3 leds solid green, the middle, "A" led blinked during my attempts until I reseated the memory sticks (I think the blinking middle led means memory problem). After memory reseating, I just get the 3 solid green leds and then, if I release the power button, I get the whine power off. I know the laptop is detecting a problem and shutting itself down. I have tried with display completely removed (screen, WiFi antenna and camera), keyboard disconnected and center power control panel assembly removed. There is no difference in the solid green lights and then, in few seconds, the power down. I reseated the power button circuit board but no joy. Replacing the lcd cable, the inverter, the center power control panel assembly (with ribbon) as well as the power button circuit board (with ribbon) should eliminate those as possibilities.

I was hoping for easier, cheaper fix. If the new parts don't take care of it, do you think I scrap it all or buy a motherboard? I've looked around online but haven't figured out yet what part number I need to know to get the right motherboard. Don't want to jump ahead too much so is there anything else you can think of?  Thanks for your reply. I appreciate this forum.

If you do decide to put a mainboard into this system, be sure it's Intel video - the nVidia version is very well known for unreliability.  You'll need a new heatsink-fan assembly to switch from nVidia to Intel.

Otherwise, it does sound like the mainboard is at fault.

I can't verify right now, of course, but know it's Intel.... Mobile Intel 965 express chipset, or something real close to that. It's part of the mainboard, I believe. Where would you look for that mainboard? Where do I find the part number or model number on the mainboard? I googled a little but didn't find anything my limited knowledge could use.The laptop is out of warranty. Will Dell support talk to me. I didn't find anything about motherboards on Dell.com, as far as model IDs or even replacement boards for sale. Give me a good place to call where the person I talk to can reliably offer the right board. In Little Rock, AR I guess I could take it to GeekSquad but it's higher cost for parts and labor. Maybe I can do it myself if I find a board that comes with what's needed to give it a service tag. If you've wondered why I'd bother with an old. lower-end laptop, it was my son's; a Marine captain killed in Cobra helo crash. My daughter and I can't let it go so we're looking at accepting that it's a money pit.

If anyone else here hasn't given up on anything other than the mainboard, please chime in. We'll appreciate it. Randy

Can't tell you how much I appreciate your help, ejn63. I think I'll agree about the cost to pay someone else to do it, though I'm timid about taking it on. You really went above and beyond with the parts-people referral. I had not found that particular board there but I found zillions, all with unrecognizable numbers and too many shipping from overseas. I think I'll talk to a real person on the phone at parts people and get some more coddling. I've bought from them before. Still sorely wishing for a cheaper, easier fix, you understand. Thanks, again. -rc

Another thing, ejn63... I expect that the refurbished inspiron m1330 mainboard I ordered from the folks you referred me to will need the service tag entered or edited to match the tag on my laptop. The laptop is registered to me in my Dell account and, while it is out of warranty, I do visit the "Manage" my equipment site at Dell to check for driver replacements and upgrades and to re-download the manual, etc. I'd like for the service tag in the replacement board's bios to match my original machine. Would you be the one who could send me the utility for accomplishing that task? I can provide my current laptop service tag, etc. by email if you need to verify anything. Thanks, again. Randy

Thank you