Have you ever broken or damaged the screen on your laptop? Have you ever called a repair facility and received a quote, from $400 to $800 plus, to have the screen repaired?
For Under $125
If so, like you I’ve been there and this article will share with you how you can repair your broken screen for approximately $125 and some patience. The total repair should be completed in one-half an hour, surely less than one hour.
To complete the repair you do not have to be a computer geek, techie or otherwise dubious personality where technical things appear out of the realm of successfully completing.
Disclaimer
This process assumes your warranty has expired and you understand the risk of working on your computer without a licensed technical expert. It also assumes you have a greater than 80% probability that your screen is the root of your problem. Otherwise your risk is up to $125 and whatever time you invest in the project.
As complex as a computer is, the parts are pretty basic. Plus for those who would like an extra level of confidence or a hands-on example, there are step-by-step videos on YouTube.
Recently I have successfully replaced two laptop screens from popular manufacturers: Toshiba and Acer. As indicated in addition to up to $125 and patience, you can do the same.
You will need a clean working area and a set of small screwdrivers. Also, like any delicate repair you must be sensitive or extra careful in handling your device to make sure you remove and replace the damaged part without bending, tearing or otherwise compromising it. The unit comes as one part which is lightweight and has a built-in connection (inverter) which dangles so you can plug into the main unit.
A 10 Step Process
Step 1 – Unplug your computer from the electrical outlet and remove the battery. You want to insure the unit cannot be accidently turned on during the repair.
Step 2 – Jot down the model and make of your computer.
Step 3 – Visually look at the computer design to understand how the screen fits on to the body.
Step 4 – As you look at your screen, on the ridges or alongside the border you will see several (8 – 15) small slightly raised points. By using a small screwdriver pry them off. You will see the screws which hold the screen together. Simply take your time and remove each point and screw, one at a time. Make sure you keep all of the removed parts together.
Step 5 – Depending on your model you may have to pry open the bottom of the screen from the top of computer base. You should be able to see the wires (or set of) which connect the base to the screen.
Step 6 – This is a critical step. Obtain the model of your screen. Unless your documentation has this information, it will be on the screen itself. Before you perform any repairs you need this information to insure you are ordering the right part. Once you have opened the module on your screen, look for the data (usually shown by a tag) or information of the model and part number.
Step 7 – Depending on your make and model, use Yahoo and search “laptop screen replacements.” Once you research the various sites, and are comfortable with the company being represented, make sure they are offering the exact model you are replacing. The cost can vary and should be around $80 – $125.
Step 8 – Aside from removing the damaged screen, the next important step is snapping off the connector which holds the part to the main unit. The technical part is called an inverter. it is very delicate, however it basically is a pull, remove type of part. Just be careful not to damage it as you are removing it from the main wiring unit.
Step 9 – Once you have removed your damaged screen, simply snap on your new screen making sure you have reconnected the inverter. Snap the parts back in place and put the screws back in, the reverse of how you removed it. Insert the raised points, and your computer should look like it was before you unassembled it.
Step 10 – Insert your battery and plug your cord to an electrical outlet. Your computer should be operable and have renewed life.