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    Screen Won't Light Up/turn On When Powering Up 14 Month Old (JUST Out Of Warranty) Dell Inspiron 6400 Laptop. Any Suggestions?

    I've replaced the battery and also tried to boot up with the installation disk. Still nothing. Getting very frustrated! Contacted Dell about an extended warranty contract and found that it'd be less expensive to purchase a new computer. This one is only a little over 1 year old! For the money spent on new computers, shouldn't they last longer than that?

    asked 8 months ago

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    Rythan

    Does the power light turn on? Does it make any noise? The cold cathode tube or the inverter may be dead. If you shine a very bright light on the screen, can you see an image?

    answered 8 months ago   

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    When I turn it on the power light stays lit and I can hear the fan running but screen never tries to come on. Just tried the "bright light" - nothing there. Hooked my desk top monitor up to it as someone else suggested, that didn't work either. Starting to think I'm going to be without a laptop, can't afford what computer technicians charge these days. So frustrating!!! I haven't any idea what a cold cathode tube or inverter is.

    comment made by Leggs 8 months ago    Report

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      ldywthcat

      Someone else could have a better answer than this, but there are several things to check. One, if there is a separately identifiable backlight system that is similar to that which you have on your cellphone. This may be needing replacement. Two, you need to check (by installing your computer via a serial connection) if this is a global monitor issue, and if so you would not be able to get a display on an external monitor. If you cannot get a display on an external monitor then you should reinstall your video card drivers. How to install them blind? Enter, enter, enter, and hope for the best. I would actually go and swap the existing video card for a new one. None of these options cost more than a new laptop. See if that works, and then take two aspirins and call someone in the morning.

      answered 8 months ago   

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      Most laptops have hardwired video that cannot be changed.

      comment made by Rythan 8 months ago    Report

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      Leggs

      That would probably explain why I can't find the video card. Thank you for taking the time to try and help me. It's very much appreciated.

      answered 8 months ago   

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      That is correct, as the video card is integrated on the mother board, but as it stands there is it only a chip. To someone with the skills and tools, this can be replaced. Check on the mfr and model information and find out, like I described before, what is the actual configuration of video on your laptop. Then you will be able to begin to learn what it takes to get it replaced. You probably can't do it yourself, but you could still get something done for less than it would cost to replace the laptop, as long as the mfr did not put it in there in a proprietary manner. And if they did, you need to go to their authorized service for a quote on the cost of the replacement. There is nothing in a computer that can't be fixed.

      comment made by Ldywthcat 8 months ago    Report

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