Laptop Monitor problems

[fustercluck]

I'm borrowing a friend's laptop, a pretty old Compaq Presario, for vacation, supposed to leave in 8 or so hours, but i' can seem to get the laptop working very well. When i first got it and plugged it in it worked just fine, but then i rebooted it, and the screen didn't come back on, and i can't get the screen to work...it's just black. Tried unplugging it and starting it up again, and some other things, but i just can't get it to work. The laptop is powered up and plugged in, just the screen ain't working. What should i try to do to fix it? My time is quite limited. If anyone could help it would go greatly appreciated

 

[hairygit1]

Wiggle some wires/connections at the back of the lappie.

Also, there is a sort of ribbon cable going from the screen to the back of the base. Give this a good wiggle while the poota is on. Make sure it has already booted, but maybe just boot into DOS [shove a boot diskette into floppy and wait till all is quiet, ]

Probably best to do this in Dos in case........

 

[fustercluck]

didn't work, but thanks.

 

[fustercluck]

Actually, it's not even booting up, just the lights turn on, and it sounds like it's on, but nothing happens.

 

[tennesota]

Perhaps you accidentally toggled off the video for the LCD panel?

Look at the function keys; does one of them have an icon stenciled to it that looks like a computer monitor or screen? Hold down the FN key and press the corresponding function key to toggle through the three possible settings which are: LCD panel only, external output only, or LCD panel and external output at the same time.

You could also hook it up to an external monitor to ensure the video is still working. If you see a black screen when connected to an external monitor it could indicate a video problem with the laptop.

There might be another key or function that darkens the LCD panel but I personally have never touched a Presario so I don't know where to find it if it exists.

 

[imported_raybay]

Look for a reset button or pin hole. Some older Compaqs could be reset by holding the power switch on for 20 seconds.