Laptop monitor mysteriously will not come on

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a ThinkPad laptop monitor that is not turning on. Participants explore potential causes and solutions, including hardware checks and software settings, while considering the implications of warranty status.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the issue may be related to the backlight and recommends connecting an external monitor to rule out other problems.
  • Another participant proposes using the function key to adjust the brightness, indicating that it could be a simple brightness issue.
  • Some participants mention the possibility of the laptop being set to output to an external monitor instead of the internal display.
  • A participant raises the concern that opening the laptop to check for loose wires could void the warranty, highlighting the importance of warranty seals.
  • One participant shares their experience of having to send in a laptop for a similar issue, implying that the problem might require professional repair.
  • Another participant notes that the laptop monitor has turned back on but now there is no sound output, questioning whether reinstalling the sound driver would help.
  • A detailed list of function key operations for a ThinkPad is provided, suggesting that some sound controls may be independent of the operating system settings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on troubleshooting methods, with no clear consensus on the best approach. Some agree on the potential risks of opening the laptop under warranty, while others focus on various troubleshooting techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific function key combinations and their effects, but there is uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the monitor issue and the sound problem. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and technical suggestions without resolving the underlying issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar issues with laptop monitors, particularly ThinkPad users, may find the troubleshooting suggestions and shared experiences relevant.

noblegas
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I have a thinkpad laptop. It will not come on. It was working fine with no signs that the monitor will cut off later. Its on a warranty, so I can get it fixed. But I don't want to go through the arduous process of packaging my laptop and waiting for a week until it gets fixed. What do you recommend do to revive the monitor myself?
 
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noblegas said:
I have a thinkpad laptop. It will not come on. It was working fine with no signs that the monitor will cut off later. Its on a warranty, so I can get it fixed. But I don't want to go through the arduous process of packaging my laptop and waiting for a week until it gets fixed. What do you recommend do to revive the monitor myself?

It sounds as though the backlight may not be working. First, if you have one available, try plugging in an external monitor to make sure it's not another problem. My money is on the backlight though.
 
B. Elliott said:
It sounds as though the backlight may not be working. First, if you have one available, try plugging in an external monitor to make sure it's not another problem. My money is on the backlight though.

Do you think I should hold the fn key down and press up? perhaps my light for my monitor needs to be brighten
 
noblegas said:
Do you think I should hold the fn key down and press up? perhaps my light for my monitor needs to be brighten

Surprised you haven't tried it yet. Won't hurt anything.
 
I think even without backlight you should be able to see if LCD tries to display something - try to look at different angles.
 
Is there ANY possibility that you've got it set for "external monitor"? On my laptop, that's [Fn F8].

Otherwise I think it's pooched. I had that problem on my laptop and had to send it into get a new screen.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Is there ANY possibility that you've got it set for "external monitor"? On my laptop, that's [Fn F8].

Otherwise I think it's pooched. I had that problem on my laptop and had to send it into get a new screen.

I have a friend who is coming over to take a look inside my laptop monitor because he thinks maybe a wire is loose. You think that would help?
 
noblegas said:
I have a friend who is coming over to take a look inside my laptop monitor because he thinks maybe a wire is loose. You think that would help?
Certainly.
 
noblegas said:
I have a friend who is coming over to take a look inside my laptop monitor because he thinks maybe a wire is loose. You think that would help?

This is not a good idea if it is under warranty. You know those "warranty void if seal is broken" stickers? You laptop probably has at least 2 of them that will have to be removed in order to take it apart. After you remove them, you warranty is just about worthless.

How do you know its just your monitor and not the entire thing shutting down? Whats the model number?
 
  • #10
Topher925 said:
This is not a good idea if it is under warranty. You know those "warranty void if seal is broken" stickers? You laptop probably has at least 2 of them that will have to be removed in order to take it apart. After you remove them, you warranty is just about worthless.

How do you know its just your monitor and not the entire thing shutting down? Whats the model number?

I got my computer from USAnotebook.com . They designated the warranty to six months, not the company that originally manufactured my computer. Its my monitor because my computer can power up.
 
  • #11
noblegas said:
I got my computer from USAnotebook.com . They designated the warranty to six months, not the company that originally manufactured my computer. Its my monitor because my computer can power up.

Good news; my laptop monitor mysteriously came back on; Bad news, there is absolutely no sound output. I clicked on the sound icon on the right side of my computer and the indicators that the sound was not muted was on. Should I resinstall the driver for sound? Is the reinstallation process free? Its a thinkpad
 
  • #12
Have you tried the Fn+x options? I have a thinkpad on my knee now:
Fn + F2 = lock computer
Fn + F3 = Turn off monitor
Fn + F4 = standby/hibernate (depending on your settings)
Fn + F5 = Wireless
Fn + F7 = Switch between external/internal monitor
Fn + F8 = Switch between touchpad/trackpoint
Fn + F9 = undock laptop
Fn + F12 = Hibernate
Fn + Home = Increase screen brightness
Fn + End = Decrease screen brightness
Fn + PgUp = Keyboard light
Fn + Space = Zoom screen (decreases screen res)

On top of these there are controls for sound above the F2/F3/F4 - remember that these alter the sound outside of windows so if this is muted no amount of fiddling in windows will fix it.
 

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