Replacing a Laptop monitor

[rnimz]

I have a Compaq Presario 1625 with a cracked LCD screen, the machine works great and I want to use it as my mobile linux machine, however, I need to replace the screen. I have found a replacement screen, but before I go an drop all that cash on a new screen I am wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with replacing laptop screens, specificly compaq screens. I would like to know what I am in store for. I am not too worried about it, since I am pretty compitent with building and fixing machines, I just have never taken apart my laptop before and I am wondering if it is difficult, and what to look out for. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance.

-Reid

 

[thatmaguy]

Bump. I second that question.

 

[Durron]

It isn't TOO difficult, but be prepared to almost completely take apart your laptop. If memory serves me right you have to take the top cover and keyboard off first (3 screws on the bottom front and 1 where the batter comes out) to gain access to the screws to take the screen off. I could be wrong, it's been a few months since I've replaced a compaq lcd but getting the plastic covering off the LCD screen was a simple matter of sticking a small flat head screwdriver in the side and gently twisting to pop the little snap connections (cant think of a better word for them). After that I don't really remember, I always just kinda winged it =). Compaq laptops seem to have alot of snap connectors though, no easy "take out the screw and lift off" instances. But it is definitely doable, just be careful and keep those screws together and try to remember where they went. (always pissed me off to come up one screw short or one screw too many). Also just so you know the actual connection of the LCD is a simple flat cable and a power connector.

Good luck,
-Durron

 

[rnimz]

Thanks for the info, sounds like it is easier than I thought, I have had the thing half apart before, (I accidentally knocked it off of a table by steping on the cord, and when it fell it knocked the keyboard half out). One quick question, all you need is the LCD screen part right? Compaq has some strange part numbers for the display, but I think that those are for whole display with casing and all. All of the online vendors just list the LCD itself, (not an easy task to find the right one). Well, thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

-Reid

 

[Souka]

yeah...it's not too bad.

The LCD will probably have a single flat ribbon cable that provides the data...easy enough to remove, but on some Dell and IBM laptops the connector itself breaks easily...so be careful.

There also maybe a two to four wire power cable as well....sometimes they're part of the ribon cable mentioned above....varies.


Other than that, take it apart carefully. I personally lay all parts and screws out in a line, left-right, so that when I put things back together, I just reverse the order.


Good luck!