XPS screen replacement issues

[HubCityPC]

I’m having an issue with a Dell XPS L701X that I recently did a screen replacement on and could use a lil help. The client brought it in after accidentally poking the LCD with a pen. It had a minor crack and was still usable at the time but obviously he wanted to get it taken care of.

So I took it apart and ordered a new screen going off of the p/n on the back of the screen itself. New screen arrived, installed, etc, etc and here’s the problem:

When booting up, I get the typical Windows 7 splash screen but when it gets to the user log on screen, I have a thin green horizontal line across the top of the screen and multiple thin lines (multicolored) running vertically all across the screen. I can hear the Windows sounds in the background signifying a successful boot. I just can’t see anything.

What I’ve done:

• Tried Safe Mode – video is fine, no lines
• Tried an external monitor (normal boot) – problem is NOT replicated on external monitor
• Updated video drivers (tried multiple versions) – same results, lines. Video card is a NVIDIA GeForce GT 445M
• Updated BIOS – recommended for most recent NVIDIA driver
• Ran Dell’s pre-boot diagnostics – everything passed, RAM, video, connections detected, etc.
• Linux live CD – video is fine, no problems
• Chkdsk – “volume bitmap” issues
• Chkdsk /f – ran overnight

After all of the above, I reluctantly decided to tear it apart again. I triple checked all connections and everything is in order, nothing loose, nothing pinched or frayed.

All along I’ve been thinking some type of driver issue since after booting into safe mode and disabling the NVIDIA driver, I can boot into a normal environment using the standard VGA driver and it works fine. But, the fact that no driver is doing the trick and that I have good video on an external monitor with the NIVIDIA drivers has me at a lost. The replacement screen seems fine. Am I missing something?

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

Oh and Hoppy Easter to everyone!

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

More than likely the GPU. Just booting into safe mode, a live CD, or using the standard VGA drivers aren't using enough VRAM or heating the chip enough to replicate the issue. I see this a lot where video is bad in one software environment but okay in another. While safe booted try streaming video to heat the chip and see what happens.

 

[HubCityPC]

GPU is holding up well with streaming video. Been running it for a good 30 minutes now. No issues reported by the client in regards to video prior to the repair. I booted the laptop up myself before beginning any work and everything looked fine.

For a 69.99 screen replacement, this thing is eating my lunch as well as my time. I've easily put 3-4 hours in trying to come up with a solution.

Not sure where to go from here...does this sound like a bad LCD to anyone? It works (under certain conditions that is). I still keep thinking driver issue but after d/l three or four 180MB files and not making any progress...maybe I need to look at it from a different angle.

 

[HubCityPC]

Sorry guys I just realized that there was an error in my description. When using an external monitor, the problem is NOT replicated. Video is normal on the external monitor. I'm using an HDMI connection going out as that and a mini display port are the only two supported.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Sorry guys I just realized that there was an error in my description. When using an external monitor, the problem is NOT replicated. Video is normal on the external monitor. I'm using an HDMI connection going out as that and a mini display port are the only two supported.

That changes things. The way you described it at first I was thinking the LCD. Ive seen the horizontal green line symptom on a few new displays I've done in the past.

 

[trapped]

Sounds like a defective screen. I would contact the company you bought it from to get a replacement.

 

[HubCityPC]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm leaning towards a bad LCD as well. What has me puzzled though is why wouldn't those symptoms surface when using a live CD or safe mode? Also, when I disable the video driver in safe mode and boot normally using the standard VGA driver, everything is fine, no lines to be found.

 

[TimJacobs]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm leaning towards a bad LCD as well. What has me puzzled though is why wouldn't those symptoms surface when using a live CD or safe mode? Also, when I disable the video driver in safe mode and boot normally using the standard VGA driver, everything is fine, no lines to be found.

I'm thinking it's a driver problem.......

I mean really, Why would it only be like that when the drivers are enabled.........

 

[14049752]

I'm thinking it's a driver problem.......

I mean really, Why would it only be like that when the drivers are enabled.........

Because the screen is defective and when the drivers are loaded, it's using a higher resolution. I've seen it happen on occasion...sometimes with a defective screen, other times a "compatible" screen that isn't quite.

 

[HubCityPC]

Well I appreciate everyone's input. I think I'm going to go ahead and return the LCD to the vendor. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the replacement.

I'll post the results once the new screen is installed in case anyone is curious.

Thanks again!

 

[Shark]

Because the screen is defective and when the drivers are loaded, it's using a higher resolution. I've seen it happen on occasion...sometimes with a defective screen, other times a "compatible" screen that isn't quite.

I agree with this assessment.

Its like driving a BIG bus on a small road. You can make it, but it'll be bumpy.

Replace the screen or triple check the connections and re-seat the graphics card.

 

[Jory]

Because the screen is defective and when the drivers are loaded, it's using a higher resolution. I've seen it happen on occasion...sometimes with a defective screen, other times a "compatible" screen that isn't quite.

One of my workstation monitors in my office is like this. If you run it at any resolution above 800x600 it has major problems.

 

[HubCityPC]

Because the screen is defective and when the drivers are loaded, it's using a higher resolution. I've seen it happen on occasion...sometimes with a defective screen, other times a "compatible" screen that isn't quite.

After speaking to my client, we decided to reinstall the old, cracked screen while we wait on the replacement. He's a student and needs his laptop for school. After reinstalling and booting up the system, no issues...so it looks like the above assessment is right on.

I made sure to match the p/n on the back of the display but apparently this wasn't enough. The original LCD was a LG, the replacement was some odd named LCD. It was made in China but isn't everything made there?!!! I used eBay seller dvdsuper999 for the LCD. I've heard positive reviews about her and she did have the screen I needed at a pretty good price. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the next one.

 

[homebase]

Reliable sellers

I've had a lot of problems with LCD screen suppliers, and, in general, laptop parts suppliers. Many sellers advertise new parts but when they arrive they're obviously used or parts that have been pulled from other systems. I usually avoid ebay sellers because the lead time can be unpredictable and the quality of parts is frequently suspect. One seller I tried a few times boldly advertises how each and every one of their parts is "100% TESTED", yet in 5 tries, I received 3 DOA parts. Each time they refund or replace the item without any gripe, but it means extra delays and expenses associated with returning the bad parts, not to mention having to explain additional delays to the customer.

When I'm trying to source out a hard-to-find part from a new supplier, the first thing I do is go through their website and verify that there is 1) a direct phone number that actually rings through to a real person during their stated business hours (actually call it), 2) a physical address listed (gives me an idea of when the order will arrive), 3) a statement of the warranty and return/replacement policy, and 4) a clear statement of when the ordered part will ship (orders received by 1pm will ship same day, etc.). This has saved me a lot of headaches, but I still get burned from time to time when I have to find a difficult part and have to stray from my tried and true suppliers.