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My Turn...I Need Computer Help.

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by sking29, Sep 2, 2008.

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  1. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Okay so I posted this message on the Dell Support Forum and will repeat it here.

    The problem that I am having is that on one of my computers it loads into windows and then the screen goes black. It originally started with just a portion of the screen going black and now it all goes at once. Also when the computer is booting up it makes a loud buzzing noise and I have recently realized that the hard drive is loose so I am thinking the hard drive may be damaged (I have tried tightening it and it still doesn't work right). However I also feel it may be a virus of some sort. So let me run through the problems again:

    1. It loads into Windows all the way to the desktop but before the loading is done the screen goes black.

    2. Originally the screen went black in sections now its a total blackout.

    3. The computer makes a loud buzzing noise when loading.

    4. The hard drive is loose and I believe that may be the problem but I also fear a virus.



    So everyone do you have any tips for me?
     
  2. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Same tip that I got:

    Stop watching porn. Did the trick for me.
     
  3. like2god

    like2god Typical white person Luxury Box

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    My old laptop used to go to a black screen and the problem was the inverter, but I'm not sure if that's the same problem that you're running into.

    Have you tried to start it up in safe mode? If you start it up in safe mode and do a virus scan you might find/indentify the problem if it is indeed a virus.
     
    sking29 likes this.
  4. TheHighExhaulted

    TheHighExhaulted Well-Known Member

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    Same thing happened to me except for the buzzing hard drive part. I took it to a computer guy because I thought it was an inverter problem. But, my backlight actually blew out. It could be either of those.
     
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  5. bkbuffet

    bkbuffet Season Ticket Holder

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    May be several issues... not just one.
    Laptop or desktop?
    Is it a CRT or Flat panel monitor?
    When the screen goes black, does the hard drive activity go on and off like it is doing something, or is it solid on/off all the time?
    Is it a separate video card or integrated into the motherboard?
     
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  6. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    A laptop and the hard drive activity seems to go on but the computer is almost loaded by the time it goes black so I wouldn't expect much anyway. Also it is stock so I would say the video card is integrated but not sure.

    It was working fine earlier today.

    BTW how do I start in safe mode? Do I just go into the Bios and do it?
     
  7. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    Should just tap F8 when it first starts up a couple of times.
     
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  8. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Okay guys I figured out its my screen. I have hooked up a separate a screen and the computer has been working fine and the buzzing has stopped. So the question is; "Can you replace a laptop screen and if so how?"
     
  9. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    depending on the age of your laptop it probably isn't worth it to replace the screen. I would look at ebay to see if there are any of the same models being sold for parts that have a good monitor.

    Or you could just use it like a desktop, buy a docking station plug it into a nice 22" LCD and go about your thing.

    It could be cost beneficial if you have a super high priced laptop or it's fairly new, but if it's a couple years old I know I wouldn't try it.
     
    sking29 likes this.
  10. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    You're too young for porn!


    How in the hell do you even have time for porn when you are on thephins.com 24/7? LOL
     
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  11. brandon27

    brandon27 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    :sidelol:
     
  12. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Yeah I am using it now as a desktop but I guess I'll check Ebay as I can't afford a new laptop. :no:
     
  13. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    What's your make / model?
     
  14. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Dell Inspiron 1505.
     
  15. like2god

    like2god Typical white person Luxury Box

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    Ahh.....so it was pretty much the same problem that I had. Trust me, unless you know someone who fixes computers then it isn't worth it to get it fixed unless you are still under warranty. One thing you could do is check with local colleges or BOCES to see if one of the instructors does that type of work on the side. If it's just the bulb then you can pick one up on the net for $10, if it's the inverter you could probably find one between $20-100. When I went to get my Sony Vaio fixed (again the inverter/bulb) the guy told me that he didn't want to take the screen apart and he wanted me to buy the whole friggin screen on Ebay ($400), not worth it.

    If you decide that you don't want to buy a new laptop, just go get yourself a good monitor. But for an extra $150 or so you might be able to get a pretty decent laptop if you look for deals.
     
  16. unifiedtheory

    unifiedtheory Sub Pending Luxury Box

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    Step #1 from my point of view...

    Ignore anyone that says "stop watching porn".:tongue2:
     
  17. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    here
     
  18. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Okay guys I figured out what I believe the problem is. From my research it says that if your screen goes real dim that it could be the backlight or inverter. Does anyone have experience with this or know where to get these things for cheap.
     
  19. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    Sure; pay Dell to do it for you. (Presuming you're out of warranty.)

    But generally, if the screen is dying, it's time to get a new laptop. Laptop monitors are usually the first components to die in a chain of future hardware failures. You have the same problem with your laptop as I do; the inverter blew out. It really is not worth it to replace.

    Get a new laptop. Seriously, just get a new laptop. If you're out of warranty, call Dell and complain loudly enough and they'll usually replace it for free just to get you to shut up and go away.
     
  20. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    I simply can't afford a new laptop. I am 99.9% sure from my research it is the inverter but backlights people are saying are cheap so I'll buy both. I've also found websites showing how to do the replacement. Add on top of that the laptop is only 1 year old and I have reason to believe it can still have a promising life after this. :yes:
     
  21. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    If it's only 1 year old, then you should definitely call Dell and complain. You'll be amazed what you can get if you're persistent. :lol:
     
  22. calphin

    calphin deadly at 250 yards!!

    The answer to all computer problems:lol:

    [​IMG]
     
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  23. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Update guys. It was the inverter, I disassembled the screen popped it in and now I am posting on the very computer. See guys always try to fix your problem before going out and buying a new screen or laptop. The internet can tell you anything you need to know. :up:
     
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  24. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    lol yes but you have the added benefit of being in front of the computer the rest of us are just tossing rocks in the dark :lol:
     
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  25. like2god

    like2god Typical white person Luxury Box

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    Maybe I'll try fixing the old laptop, just have to figure out how to take it apart. :shifty:
     
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  26. sking29

    sking29 What it takes to be cool

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    Very true but also I am a very cheap person so I want to explore every option first. :lol:
     

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