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General discussion

inspiron 8600 lcd screen flashing solid colors, red, wht,

Nov 8, 2009 3:09PM PST

replaced 15.4 " lcd a few months ago. Also, inverter. Closed lid one night, cnfg'd to "do nothing" on lid closure. Next day, I opened lid and screen started flashing solid colors. Tried restart and no difference. I can plug in external monitor and turn on by key FN-F8 and external works while lcd still flashes solid colors. Is there a way I can tell if video card is bad or is it the motherboard ?

Discussion is locked

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Sounds bad.
Nov 8, 2009 8:48PM PST

What does Dell say this will cost to fix? If more than a new laptop, then its the end.

You ask if it's one part or the other. Here's the deal. In the shop we use spares to swap one then the other. Home repairs are brutal since the usual DIY repair person won't have the spares.
Bob

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update to flashing screen
Dec 11, 2009 8:50AM PST

still waiting to hear from seller of new screen but i did try changing motherboard the other day and screen still flashes solid colors. External monitor still works. Is it possible to have defective video card?

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"cnfg'd to "do nothing" on lid closure."
Dec 11, 2009 10:49PM PST

I think I agree here. I'm running into machines that bake and fry when "cnfg'd to "do nothing" on lid closure."

This is why you wonder why such is ever allowed as when the lid is closed you will see the temperatures climb. This means the machine will age and fail sooner than later.

There is not much you can do for folk that want this but let them pay for the lessons. At least in newer gear I see the makers are locking out such a configuration.
Bob

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finally fixed
Feb 1, 2010 3:03PM PST

Sorry it took so long to get back to this post.. I tried swapping mother board out first and still had same problem. finally ordered video card and that fixed the problem. Should have gone with the cheapest parts first. if anyone needs a tested used motherboard, I have one for sale.