Problem with Laptop need help urgently please

Hi, I am currently having a problem with one of my laptops which is the following:

Sony Vaio VGN A417M
1.86Ghz processor
512Mb RAM
80Gb

The problem is that when I switch the laptop on, depending on the occasion, the screen flickers as if the light on the screen seems to be slightly broken and then at some point the screen goes completely dark and it does not recover from it until I switch off the laptop and switch it on again. Now, when the screen goes dark I can still very vaguely see the icons etc and I know the laptop is running properly because I managed to connect my laptop to an external monitor and all processes run nicely. From this I know for a fact that the problem is with the laptop screen (At least thats what I think).

I would like to know if possible the following things about this problem:

1. Whether I am right in saying it is a problem with the laptop screen.
2. Can one solve this problem without having to go to the shop from where the laptop was bought.
3. If there are any parts which need replacing could I have a few suggestions as to where I can get them from easily.

Any help that one can supply to help me with this problem would be deeply appreciated and not forgotten.

 

Hello Cedric, Welcome to Major Geeks

Is your Vaio one of those with a brightness control?

If not I don't think you have a user fixable fault. The screen going dim is caused by a dead/dying drive circuit or badly soldered one. Don't let a non Sony specialist try to fix this one.

Is it under guarantee by any chance?

Sorry Mate.

Studio T

 

If it's under warranty, return to the place of purchase for a replacement/repair. This problem is fairly common with laptops and it's usually a little part called the 'backlight'. Sometimes they get loose and it's just a matter of re-seating the cable. Sometimes removing the backlight and re-installing it will fix the problem. However, usually the backlight requires replacement. Check EBay; there should be plenty available but you usually need to buy the whole LCD assembly just to get the backlight. Ask the EBay seller if they'll sell you just the backlight. It shouldn't be over $50-$75. Alternatively, go to any small independent PC store, and they'll fix it for you for probably under $200 including parts and labor.... good luck!

hd2k

:major Welcome to Major Geeks! :major