Screen problems on Sony Vaio notebook

HeXploiT

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2004
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I'm working on a friends Vaio vgn-a270 that has an extremely dim screen and flickers. As it boots the screen is barely visable and after the xp login screen it just goes completely black. Any idea as to exactly what this might be?
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
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Sep 15, 2004
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Originally posted by: HeXploiT
I'm working on a friends Vaio vgn-a270 that has an extremely dim screen and flickers. As it boots the screen is barely visable and after the xp login screen it just goes completely black. Any idea as to exactly what this might be?

Sounds like the inverter is shot, look online to see if you can get
A: a new inverter
b: instructions on how to replace said inverter
 

HeXploiT

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2004
4,359
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Originally posted by: TheStu
Originally posted by: HeXploiT
I'm working on a friends Vaio vgn-a270 that has an extremely dim screen and flickers. As it boots the screen is barely visable and after the xp login screen it just goes completely black. Any idea as to exactly what this might be?

Sounds like the inverter is shot, look online to see if you can get
A: a new inverter
b: instructions on how to replace said inverter

Like this?

How sure can I be that it's not the screen itself or something else?
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
12,089
45
91
Originally posted by: HeXploiT
Originally posted by: TheStu
Originally posted by: HeXploiT
I'm working on a friends Vaio vgn-a270 that has an extremely dim screen and flickers. As it boots the screen is barely visable and after the xp login screen it just goes completely black. Any idea as to exactly what this might be?

Sounds like the inverter is shot, look online to see if you can get
A: a new inverter
b: instructions on how to replace said inverter

Like this?

How sure can I be that it's not the screen itself or something else?

Because it sounds to me, based on my experience, like an inverter issue. And generally, buying a replacement inverter is cheaper than buying a replacement panel or an entirely new screen assembly.
 

HeXploiT

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2004
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76
Alright thanks. I ordered one so hopefully this will fix the issue.
 

Paperlantern

Platinum Member
Apr 26, 2003
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I disagree, the inverter usually isn't the problem when its dim. Flickering and turning off alone, it could be the problem. If i was actually troubleshooting the machine, I would test the inverter with a voltmeter first, if the meter is constant, it most likely the FL Tube in the panel (also pretty cheap, just not as easy to get). From the description, dim, flickering then going off, it sounds like the tube to me.

I hope the inverter fixes the problem though, and is the first logical step in finding this problem since a tube is probably not available, and you want to make sure you dont have to replace the panel. Good luck.