Backlight fails on laptop after a minute

When I turn on my laptop, the screen works fine, but then the backlight turns off within a minute. If I close the lid and open it, the backlight works again but turns off within a minute.

Question:
Do I need a new backlight, inverter, or battery? (my battery has been drained for years, so I have to keep it plugged in)

Thanks

 

Hi no sweat, when this happens does the screen go completely off or can you still see feint-darkened images?

 

Hi, I can see the image if I shine a flashlight at the screen

 

What make & model name/number is the lappy?

 

It's a Dell Inspiron E1405

 

Ok, to try and rule out hardware issues, try booting into safemode and leave it running for a bit [press F8 as the lappy boots up]

If it still does it in safe mode boot into the BIOS [press F2 or DEL, it should say something regarding this when booting up] And leave it running ther for a bit.

Or you could try booting from a linux based disc like ubuntu, or Damnsmalllinux, etc, that will be good if you can.

 

Well it's definitely a hardware issue. I actually got it working for a while, but the second I moved the lappy lid, it shut off. There must be some loose cable somewhere... but where? I guess I have to crack it open and look for something

 

Did you check it when in the bios or safe mode?

That is the best way to tell for sure regardless of how it acts when running normally.

Connecting an external like plodr said would be handy aswell if possible.

Anyhoo, if you are confident it is hardware, then having a look at all the wires and connectors you can see is a good start, but it will most likely be the "bulb" which is a fairly cheap fix if you fit it yourself, otherwise it is going to be the inverter which again is quite a cheap fix but not as cheap as the bulb

Some links for reference:

CCFL LAMP [bulb] http://www.lcdparts.net/agnCCFLlamp.aspx?gclid=CPCrxomCvZwCFRAgZwodz1PAng

Inverter http://www.yallstore.com/laptop-replacement-lcd-inverter-for-dell-inspiron-e1405-p-2905.html

Q