Rough handling very easily damages a laptop screen. Before buying and changing the screen, you will want to make sure that it is definitely faulty. You may see cracks on the screen, a dark image, a flickering display, colors missing or no image whatsoever.
If the screen has cracks that may look like ink leaking from a spider's web, then someone has broken it, and a replacement will be necessary. However, other subtle faults can occur because of damage to the screens that are much harder to spot. You will need to undertake other tests and observations to decide whether the screen is, in fact, faulty or not, I will not be considering them in this article.
There are many types and sizes of laptop screens available. Although, you may consider fitting a different screen to your laptop, problems associated with screen resolution or the image not fully filling the display may occur. Therefore, it is always advisable to replace a screen with exactly the same make and model as the original one fitted by the manufacturer. You can always find these details on a bar code label on the reverse of the screen.
Removal of the screen is generally quite easy as you do not have to be too careful about damaging or scratching it, but before starting, you should remove the battery. Removal methods vary from one laptop model to another. However, you will generally find between 4 - 6 screws located behind rubber or plastic caps on the screen bezel. When removing the caps be careful not to lose or damage them, as you will need to replace them after the repair. Once the screws are removed you can remove the bezel; it is sometimes clipped, glued or both. So moderate pressure may be required. On some makes of laptop, notably the HP range, part of the upper palm rest must be removed before the lower part of the screen bezel can be fully removed.
The laptop screen is fixed to the lid hinges by 4 to 8 screws; you should remove them with a small cross point screwdriver. Lay the screen down and remove the connector linking it to the laptop. Usually, you will find sticky tape attached to this connector so remove this first and gently ease the connector from the screen. Try to pull the connector rather than the cable. If the screen is of the older type, there will be a second two-pin connector linking it to the inverter usually found at the bottom of the screen. Carefully remove this connection and you will now be able to remove the old screen from the laptop.
Installation of the new screen is the reverse of removal; however, you must take great care not to damage it. Here are a few tips to help. When connecting the screen data cable insure that you insert it evenly using gentle fingertip pressure. You can easily damage a screen if you apply pressure almost anywhere but especially where the electronic circuit board is located. Remember to replace the sticky tape pads as this stops the wire detaching from the connector. Never use force when replacing the bezel; it should easily clip back into place. Above all, make sure you do not crack or scratch the new screen.
Replacing a laptop screen is usually straightforward provided you have the correct tools and are very gently when handling and installing the new screen.
