Hi. I have found a few related posts but I want to make sure I know what to replace before ordering parts. I have an Inspiron 700m and the display went out. An external monitor works. After reading some threads I discovered the display is actually working but the backlight is out. Except then it came back for a bit. I determined that it will work for about 45sec as soon as the notebook is opened (or I turn off the display by pushing the little button and then releasing it). It consistently does this - so I dont think there are any loose connections - perhaps an overheating issue or something is shorted and causing a runaway condition and protection circuitry is triggering.

I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this. I have read most people replace either the bulb or the inverter board. Obviously the bulk works - and I wouldnt think the issue would be there... a bulb is a bulb is a bulb. But there could be an issue on the inverter board. I dont know of any software issue that would cause this (except some really mean virus).

Thanks!!!
Jeremy

It sounds like the inverter board to me to.

jeremy--
did you find a solution to your problem?? i have the same problem... i thought it was the inverter board too, so i swapped out the inverter board for a brand new one... nothing changed! same symptoms as before...
50 dollars later, i decided to see if it was a problem with the bulb... took apart the LCD and saw that one of the leads to the bulb was broken/poorly connected. also the bulb had a black band in it...
as of right now, i haven't gotten it working yet... i just ordered a new bulb so i'm going to try that... i'll let you know how it turns out... but next time i wouldn't be so hasty to blame the inverter...
btw... sometimes when my screen would die after the initial 45 seconds, i hear some kind of fizzing or static sound... did that ever happen to you?

Ridgeback. Same as you - I just put in the inverter board and no love. I did have it working for ~1hr last week (with old board) - just randomly. Yes, I do hear the fizzing sometimes.

How did you get at the Backlight bulb itself? I took out the screen and I assume it is under the housing that is under the silver tape - but I didnt see a simple "low risk" way to get it out.

Fortunalty I found a board for only $25 shipped on ebay so I am not out that much (err, my sister is not out that much). Before having her pay $150 for LCD repair service I figure I will see how you do with a new bulb.

Jeremy

Hey guys, sorry for the not so happy reply to any of your problems.

I just wanted to post and say that I have the exact same problems too. I'm planning on just replacing a new LCD screen for my sister. I'll be checking back. Hopefully something news is posted (crosses fingers).

Anywho, hopefully you guys have better luck. =)