source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Repair-Broken-LCD-Laptop-Monitors&id=2395996
Whether you need computer repair in Ithaca, or anywhere around the world, if you own a laptop or an external flatpanel monitor, then you have probably run into some problems with the liquid crystal display. If you haven't yet, then you probably will. LCD problems are definitely the most common laptop problems besides hard drive crashes and loose power connectors. Cracked screens, lines on monitor, plasma effect, weak LCDs, dark pixels, backlight problems, and trembling LCDs are quite common.
Present are several easy tests to see what is wrong with your LCD and to estimate the cost and trouble needed in repairing the screen. As a disclaimer, this is not repair advice, so do not try to service your computer if you don't know what you're doing, as you may likely produce more damage than there already was. Absolutely don't disassemble your laptop if the battery is in or it is secured to a power source.
Broken Screen
Not much to test here; you're going to need to replace your LCD. Your other choice is to buy an external flatpanel.
Markings on Screen
This problem is more often than not caused due to a damaged LCD or internal LCD video cable. Sometimes if you drop your laptop hard, it can damage the LCD and the hard drive if it's on. Plug the laptop computer into an external monitor or LCD television. Does the image have lines? If not, you either have an LCD cable or LCD problem. If you experience lines on the external monitor (assuming the external is working well), you probably have a graphics card problem.
Plasma, oozing, octopus ink, growing plume
It's highly probable that your LCD is broken and needs to be replaced. This problem is ordinarily induced by a physical misfunction of the glass sandwich on the LCD. Just like the above test, check to see whether or not you experience a smooth picture on another monitor. If you do, it's time for another LCD.
Dark, stuck, hot, or otherwise abnormal pixels
These can be caused by manufacturing defects which produce transistors to die or stop reacting within your LCD. Sometimes you can fix a dead pixel, but also you can make the problem worse if you are not experienced. A safe attempt is to try to fix the problem with software. Software such as UDPixel and JScreenFix can diagnose dead, hot, or stuck pixels and even attempt to fix them. If these programs aren't successful, as a last attempt, you can try to gently pressure the affected area with an eraser to try to coax oil into or out of the pixel layers. Moreover, this attempt is not guaranteed to be successful, and can possibly make the trouble worse, so be careful here.
Dim display
This could be caused by two standard issues: inverter failure or backlight failure. An inverter conditions power for the LCD, and generally resides close to the laptop hinges under the LCD case. Inverters are dangerous because they generally run between 4-7 amps of current. One amp can easily kill you, so don't mess with these if you're not experienced with it. If the monitor is ever bright, chances are your inverter is okay. Backlights are difficult and dangerous to replace, so don't try unless you know how. Most backlights are delicate and contain mercury, a carcinogen.
No display
If you don't get a display at all, examine it with a flashlight. Hold the flashlight at different angles to the screen. If you truly can't see anything, try to plug it into an external monitor. If you get a smooth picture, several things could be amiss. You could have a loose cable if you drop your laptop often. The cable could be pinched in the joints and severed. Seldom do you get a complete failure of the LCD, but it's possible.
Display works whilst booting, but ends working at some point
You probably have a software issue. You should check the drivers and check for viruses.
Display scrambles in time
This is generally caused by memory troubles or an overheated video chip. If memory is the problem, you could try to remove one or two modules of RAM from the bottom of the laptop, usually behind a panel. If this repairs the problem, time for a new stick of RAM. If overheating is the problem, there are usually two causes. Either the video processor is overheating, or the entire computer is overheating. You will require to have the laptop taken apart to clear out dust, examine all the fans, and examine the thermal compound under the heat sinks.
Visit us at http://www.pcxmedics.com for all your repair needs. We are a computer repair business, PCXMedics, located in upstate NY. We specialize in all different types of technical repairs, and we provide a host of other services as well. For more information on various computer, laptop, and iPod repair visit http://www.squidoo.com/computerrepairithaca