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Thread: Toshiba Laptop LCD Problem.. HELP!!!!

  1. #1
    Member mykel's Avatar
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    Toshiba Laptop LCD Problem.. HELP!!!!

    Can someone help me.. My problem is my screen is garbled up and frozen.. The only way for me to work with it is to pinch on one side of the screen and hold onto it.. I was thinking probably it's a fixable problem but then again, maybe not.. I was wondering if someone here who had experienced the same problem and know how to overcome it.. My laptop is a toshiba satellite. It's only one year old and I rarely use it.. Any help suggestion would be very much appreciated..

  2. #2
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    Get the screen replaced under warranty if it's only 1 year old. There's not a lot of things you can do to repair a TFT screen, it's basically knackered.

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    Member mykel's Avatar
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    first off.. thanks for the quick reply... The only thing about replacing it is it's been a year already since I purchased it, I don't think that it's still under warranty..

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    The manufacturer's warranties on laptops are generally 2-3 years in my experience, especially the big generic one's like Tosh. Contact where you bought it from and ask.

  5. #5
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    Toshiba has a 1 year warranty. Did you get an extended warranty plan from Toshiba? Did you get a warranty through the store (Compusa, bestbuy, etc)? I know people don't want to spend extra $$ on warranties, but it is worth it on laptops. That LCD will probably set you back $750-1000. At that point, it might be better to just use an external monitor.

    you might need to just reseat the cables. there are screws under some plastic stickers, so it's best to use an exacto knife to peel them off first. Depending on the model, there will be screws on the front or sides of the LCD.

    you may also need to reseat the video cable on the motherboard side. Most toshibas have a plastic piece to cover the power switch. Just need to pop that off, then remove the 2 screws to remove the keyboard.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Terminator's Avatar
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    I had an old Toshiba and the screen did the same. If not under warranty then get the screwdrivers out. Obviously power it off first

    Open the screen plastic surround. When you get all the plastic and metal casing parts out the way you'll very likely see a ribbon cable running from the screen display into the main unit. Either pull it out and check for oxidation on the contacts(will look like an off-brown color). CAREFULLY take a flat small screwdriver and lying it flat scrape over the contact . Not too much or you will completely erase it. Also on my Toshiba there were what looks like little rubber 'contacts'(they can be conpletely removed). You will only see these rubber contacts if you completely remove the screen. These rubber 'things' are actually connections and have metallic strips running through them. The contact is made by the pressure exerted by the screws holding the screen. To me this sounds what is wrong. One of the screws has loosened up and the contact is not complete and thats why when you press it is works ok. It might just be a case of tightening the screw(s) nearest the part thats dodgy. If this doesn't work remove the screen and locate the rubber connector and clean it in solvent and replace it. Then put it back together.

    T

    Last edited by Terminator; 11-19-2003 at 02:26 PM.

  7. #7
    Hail to the Victors dajogejr's Avatar
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    Toshiba gives you an extra month over that year....so, as mentioned, check for warranty on that LCD baby!

    You can go to their site, enter your serial number, and see what the deal is!

  8. #8
    Member mykel's Avatar
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    hello.. sorry it took a while before i could check your replies.. first off, i would like to thank all of you for your inputs.. I would try to do each and every input I get except the warranty part.. I called them and they said that's it's only warrantied for a year... I'm way past that already (1.5yr).. Also, for them to repair it without the warranty, how much do you guys think will it cost me?? Just wondering.. Thanks again for the inputs..

  9. #9
    Hail to the Victors dajogejr's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Midknyte
    That LCD will probably set you back $750-1000. At that point, it might be better to just use an external monitor.
    True....True!!

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    They, (Toshiba) will replace the LCD not even attempt to repair and approximate costs for that have already been posted.

    Not sure what consumer law is like there, but even if the warranty has expired, I can't help think that for a product to fail after just a year and a half if you make enough noise, they might just do it or at least meet you half way! Goods must be fit for the purpose they were purchased for and expect to last for a reasonable time (check consumer law). It could be classed as an inherent fault too.

    The computer press is always a handy way to highlight the problem and bring it to public attention - remember to be factual and avoid libellous remarks.

    Try a local/national laptop repair specialist, look for a no fix no fee type.

    If the corruption is band-like, around an inch wide, then it will be an LCD interconnect on the panel driver board. These are a pain to fix as the solder points are extremely fine and fragile. If across a major portion of the screen, I'd guess that the interconnecting cable from the base in the lid section is coming adrift and by pressing makes enough contact to work

    Otherwise, try searching on Ebay or the like for spare/repair laptops, they frequently show up but be warned most have LCD problems (shattered) as the reason they are on there in the first place so be patient and double check - use external in the meantime.

  11. #11
    Hail to the Victors dajogejr's Avatar
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    Good luck.
    My company purchased a few multi thousand dollar multi function network printers made by Toshiba.

    The laptop I had a problem with was a known bad Mobo, it was 1 year, and about 2 months old.

    I can raise heck with the best of them, and in a very professional manner. They wouldn't do squat...and this was after 3 of their local, Toshiba Authorized support centers told me it was a known bad mobo...
    Satellite Pro 6000 series...I think. Don't quote me on the 6000....

    Not saying it can't be done...but, good luck! By the way, the mobo was about 750, as well...

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