I have an IBM Thinkpad T21 which is rather temperamental at times (it is not "new", but was bought reconditioned from a guy I trusted). Ocassionally it shuts down and will not turn on for a couple of days, then comes on without any problems when it's had a little rest.
Recently the screen started to flicker, then it started taking ages for the screen to come on - sometimes up to 2-3 minutes. Now the screen does not illuminate at all - I can see the Windows intro screen in the background but the screen is too dark to work on.
There appears to be no problem with the hard-drive and no data is lost etc., so I assume it probably needs a new screen.
My question is - is it going to cost me a fortune to replace the screen?
The laptop was not expensive, so I don't really want to spend a lot fixing it, but it has lots of photos and writing projects on it, which I would be reluctant to lose. I cannot take it back to the guy I bought it from as I am now in another country!
2006-08-07 23:26:56 · 6 answers · asked by Sandroulla 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Actually the T21is a cute laptop, it runs windows 2000 perfectly, and with plenty of RAM runs XP also ( albeit not as quickly ).
Your problems may have been caused by :
1- processor cooling fan failing or having failed, this explains why it turns off by itself.
2- processor socket on these machines is prone to corrosion, if you are competent with repair work, after removing the fan assembly, try unlocking and locking the CPU without touching it, by turning the locking screw Left and right a few times.
3- problem with the display, is usually because of failing "inverter" circuit , repair cost is usually about £ 80 or less , depending on the repair shop.
BUT,
If you have multiple problems, and it is not in good condition ( they usually crack on the right corner above the keyboard ) , then REPLACE it .
Best of Luck
2006-08-08 00:18:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have similar power issues with my T21. It switches off by itself after a few minutes. It has happened so often now that now it will no longer boot.
My screen is fine though. It sounds like your back lighting has died. I don't think it is financially viable to have it repaired. My T21 is a P3 800. I was thinking of repairing mine because I have 2 docking stations and spare drives.
What country are you in? I'm in South Africa. If you want to sell your PC then drop me a line. Maybe I can repair yours using mine as spares and send you back your data. That way we both win.
2006-08-07 23:38:00 · answer #2 · answered by Odie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the inverter is bad. It's also possible that the backlight was going out and now has (which is in the screen, the inverter is seperate from the screen.)
I think your best bet is to call or visit http://www.screentekinc.com and they will help you diagnose the problem. They sell laptop LCD screens, so if it is the screen, they should be able to help you out.
Good luck.
2006-08-08 03:52:14 · answer #3 · answered by verdeeyez1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for IBM and this happened to one of my company Thinkpads. Went off for 2 days once. So I took it to be repaired, the guys said it was ready to be scrapped and I got a new one! Also, the model you have is really very old so sounds like it's on its way out.
2006-08-07 23:34:57 · answer #4 · answered by Annie M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ven u hav sumting that's reely old and the screen has to be changed, it's not at all worth. Better to go for a new laptop than spending for the screen. Who knows, after you spend for a new screen another problem might come. So i advice you to buy a new laptop. Hope I helped.
2006-08-07 23:50:41 · answer #5 · answered by Fir 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like you need a new system
you could plug a differant moniter or a tv in the back and use that screen then tranfer all info to disc or another system
or
you can take you hdd drive out and put it into another pc via a caddy
2006-08-07 23:50:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋