Replacing the screen on a laptop..?

**synthesis204** · Nov 17, 2010, 02:46 AM

So...my uncle, in his wisdom, managed to crack the screen on his Dell Inspiron 1520. Rather than bring it to Dell or a repair place to fix it, it has purchased a new screen (I'm not sure exactly where you can buy JUST screens, but he managed to) and has asked me to remove the cracked one and install the new one.

Just curious if anyone at HH has ever done such a task, and what it entails? I told him not to get his hopes up. He'll be dropping off the laptop + screen sometime later this week.

Tyrsonswood · Nov 17, 2010, 03:03 AM

If it's the same model of screen it should be fairly easy, disassemble the lid and remove the old...... replace with the new, There will be a couple of flat ribbon cables to connect. Reassemble the lid and fire it up.

Cow_160483 · Nov 17, 2010, 04:51 AM

Here is something that might help just did a quick qooqle search

Or follow there steps :

Step 1. First off note which type of screen your laptop has and purchase one that is guaranteed to fit. While some model laptops from the same manufacture may fit, ensure it fits before your go out and purchase it. Once you are ready to replace the screen, shut down the computer, remove the battery and unplug it.
Step 2. Locate the screw covers on the plastic frame (usually rubber or plastic) to gain access to the screws that hold the screen to the bezel in pace. In most cases, your screen will have from 4 to 6 total screw covers. You will probably need a small flat head or Phillips screw driver; however some laptops might have their own screw heads which will require special screw drivers or Allen wrenches to remove the screws. Screw covers will usually be located on the bottom of the plastic frame, however every computer model is different, so you will have to search for the screw covers to gain access to the screen.
Step 3. Once you have removed the screw covers, remove all the screws, holding the screen in place. Once all the screws are removed, gently pull away the screen from the plastic bezel. Usually the best way to accomplish this is to use your fingers to gently roll around the entire bezel loosening the screen. Once you rolled your fingers all around the bezel slightly separating the screen, pull the screen away from the bezel using a light to moderate amount of force. If the screen is still not budging, check to make sure if there are any other screws still attached.
Step 4. Now that the bezel has been removed, you should see the screen surrounded by its metal frame. At this point, you can tilt the screen forward, exposing the metal back of the LCD frame. The screen should gently pop out of its back shell. You should be able to see the wires running from the screen to the laptop. There should be two main wires; the first is a ribbon which is the video cable. The video cable is usually taped in place. Remove the tape and then gently disconnect the ribbon from the LCD screen. The other wire is the power cable for the inverter. In most cases, if you are just replacing the LCD screen, you will continue to use the inverter, leaving it as is. However, if you are replacing the inverter as well, disconnect the power cable and unscrew the inverter from its mount.
Step 5. Once your old screen has been removed, plug in the new screen and set it in the shell. However, before you screw in the bezels, you should test the screen to make sure it is working properly. In order to test the screen, you will need to power up your computer. If when you power up your computer, the screen is working properly, you can shut down the computer and continue to screw in the screen to the bezel and cover the screws with the plastic or rubber caps.

Tipstaff · Nov 18, 2010, 06:43 AM

Best form of instructions: step by step VIDEO!!! WOOT!

In this case the screen was fine, and they were just swapping out the chassis. The instructions are still the same though.

**synthesis204** · Nov 21, 2010, 04:29 PM

Thanks guys! Got it working fine -- the brilliant technicians at dell didn't file the latches for the video-ribbon cable correctly, so I ended up having to do a very slight amount of modding to get it working, but it's good to go. Thanks again ^^

Nov 17, 2010, 02:46 AM	#1
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Replacing the screen on a laptop..? So...my uncle, in his wisdom, managed to crack the screen on his Dell Inspiron 1520. Rather than bring it to Dell or a repair place to fix it, it has purchased a new screen (I'm not sure exactly where you can buy JUST screens, but he managed to) and has asked me to remove the cracked one and install the new one. Just curious if anyone at HH has ever done such a task, and what it entails? I told him not to get his hopes up. He'll be dropping off the laptop + screen sometime later this week.

Nov 17, 2010, 04:51 AM	#3
Cow_160483 HH's only cow moooooo... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: BOTSWANA Posts: 6,817 Rep Power: 300 System Specs	Re: Replacing the screen on a laptop..? Here is something that might help just did a quick qooqle search Or follow there steps : Step 1. First off note which type of screen your laptop has and purchase one that is guaranteed to fit. While some model laptops from the same manufacture may fit, ensure it fits before your go out and purchase it. Once you are ready to replace the screen, shut down the computer, remove the battery and unplug it. Step 2. Locate the screw covers on the plastic frame (usually rubber or plastic) to gain access to the screws that hold the screen to the bezel in pace. In most cases, your screen will have from 4 to 6 total screw covers. You will probably need a small flat head or Phillips screw driver; however some laptops might have their own screw heads which will require special screw drivers or Allen wrenches to remove the screws. Screw covers will usually be located on the bottom of the plastic frame, however every computer model is different, so you will have to search for the screw covers to gain access to the screen. Step 3. Once you have removed the screw covers, remove all the screws, holding the screen in place. Once all the screws are removed, gently pull away the screen from the plastic bezel. Usually the best way to accomplish this is to use your fingers to gently roll around the entire bezel loosening the screen. Once you rolled your fingers all around the bezel slightly separating the screen, pull the screen away from the bezel using a light to moderate amount of force. If the screen is still not budging, check to make sure if there are any other screws still attached. Step 4. Now that the bezel has been removed, you should see the screen surrounded by its metal frame. At this point, you can tilt the screen forward, exposing the metal back of the LCD frame. The screen should gently pop out of its back shell. You should be able to see the wires running from the screen to the laptop. There should be two main wires; the first is a ribbon which is the video cable. The video cable is usually taped in place. Remove the tape and then gently disconnect the ribbon from the LCD screen. The other wire is the power cable for the inverter. In most cases, if you are just replacing the LCD screen, you will continue to use the inverter, leaving it as is. However, if you are replacing the inverter as well, disconnect the power cable and unscrew the inverter from its mount. Step 5. Once your old screen has been removed, plug in the new screen and set it in the shell. However, before you screw in the bezels, you should test the screen to make sure it is working properly. In order to test the screen, you will need to power up your computer. If when you power up your computer, the screen is working properly, you can shut down the computer and continue to screw in the screen to the bezel and cover the screws with the plastic or rubber caps. __________________ Decode! Muhahahahah!

Nov 18, 2010, 06:43 AM	#4
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	Re: Replacing the screen on a laptop..? Best form of instructions: step by step VIDEO!!! WOOT! In this case the screen was fine, and they were just swapping out the chassis. The instructions are still the same though. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Nov 21, 2010, 04:29 PM	Thread Starter #5
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: Replacing the screen on a laptop..? Thanks guys! Got it working fine -- the brilliant technicians at dell didn't file the latches for the video-ribbon cable correctly, so I ended up having to do a very slight amount of modding to get it working, but it's good to go. Thanks again ^^