[ltp] frequent black screen on start-up, good later on

[Charles E Taylor IV]

On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 19:11:13 +0200
"Mack Stevenson" <mackstevenson@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks, but I've tried that. [Should have mentioned it.] The screen is 
> completely dimmed (well, almost) right from the moment I press the power
>  button. It just comes back to life on its own.

The more you describe the problem, the more it sounds like you've got a
backlight problem (especially the screen being "dim" at power-on before
the system actually boots).  

The last time this topic came up, most of the posts were along these
lines:

1) Call IBM if the machine's under warranty.

2) Disassemble the laptop and reseat the internal connectors for the
screen (sometimes failing backlights are caused by loose connectors). 
IBM's hardware maintenance manuals are good and available as PDF files on
IBM's web site - they'll show you exactly how to remove/replace parts.  Do
only if the laptop's NOT under warranty. 

3) If the laptop's old enough,
finding a replacement with a good screen (maybe a stripped "for parts"
unit if you're really short on cash) on Ebay is probably cheaper than
sending the unit in for non-warranty service.

-- 
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*  Charles Taylor <tomalek@mindspring.com>
*  Chemistry instructor / Mad scientist / Linux enthusiast!
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*  Web: http://home.mindspring.com/~charletiv/
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