Laptop problem: Toshiba Satellite M35X-S149 has no video. The customer complained that the laptop LCD video just disappeared without any reason. When he starts the laptop the screen lights but there in no data on it.
Laptop diagnostics: I started the laptop normally and LED showed normal activity. The hard drive started spinning. The LCD screen lighted but it was solid white color without any data on it.
Laptop repair process: when I get a laptop for repair with video problem, I always start with checking an external video. I connected the laptop to the external CRT monitor and started the laptop. The external video was fine and the laptop booted to Windows without any problem. Usually, if the external video is fine, the system board is good and the problem is in the LCD itself, in the video cable or in a bad connection between the LCD and the system board. On the next step, I removed the keyboard and reseated the display video cable on the system board, but it didn’t fix the problem. The laptop still booted without any data on the screen. Finally, I opened up the LCD display and found that the video cable connector on the back of the LCD screen was half way out. I reseated the connector and restarted the laptop. This time the laptop started normally and I got internal video. So, if your laptop starts with solid white screen without any data on it, try to reseat the video cable connector on the back of the LCD screen.
The following guides could be helpful for you:
Complete Toshiba Satellite M35X disassembly guide with instructions
Removing LCD, inverter board, video cable
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March 21st, 2006 at 9:09 am
I have a laptop Toshiba Satellite M35X-S149. I shows the similar symptoms you describe above with the laptop booting the hard disk spinning but the screen remains black – no video display. I tried plugging in a monitor to test the external display but nothing changes. What can else can I try? Please help.
February 20th, 2006 at 12:26 am
Thanks Dave, I am glad that I was able to help you.
To remove the entire display assembly from Toshiba Satellite 1800 laptop you have to remove the display assembly/top cover assembly first. Step 1-20. After that you can separate the display assembly from the top cover assembly. This process is not described in my guide, but it shouldn’t be very difficult.
If you want to remove just the LCD screen from the display assembly, you have to remove the LCD mask first. Take a look at Toshiba Satellite 1415 LCD removal guide. It might be different, but the same idea.
BTW, if you really want to make a donation you can do it here: http://www.irisvista.com/tech/
February 19th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Everything up & running – thanks a million — you should have something like a ‘paypal donation’ functionality – I would be quite happy to pay you something for your help:) If you hadn’t gave me that knowledge I wouldn’t have risked £40 for memory (I would’v e just sold it on in Ebay & bought a working copy)
I’ve just looked in your instructions for stripping down & it isn’t terribly clear what to do just to remove the entire lid section – could you give me an idea??
February 16th, 2006 at 7:18 am
Thanks a million:)
I’ll let you know how I get on
Dave
February 15th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Yep, if you install a memory module and connect an external monitor, you should get video on the external monitor right away (If your system board works fine). I just tested it on Toshiba Satellite 1800-S274. I remove the hard drive and started the unit. On the external monitor I got Toshiba welcome screen and it hangs there for about 1 minute (I guess it’s looking for a hard drive) and after that goes to a normal cycle. I’ve been able to boot from Windows 98 floppy and also see the BIOS setup.
February 15th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Cheers:) If I buy a memory chip, I should then be able to see the bios setup/ boot from a floppy? I have a Dell Inspiron & that won’t show on the external until Windows XP has loaded??
February 15th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
To get an external video you have to put some memory into the laptop.
February 15th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Hiya,
I just got a Toshiba 1800 – 364E off Ebay with missing screen (wanted it that way), no hard disk & no memory modules. Am I right in saying this should output something onto an external monitor in this state???? From what you say in your M35X video problem, my system board is suspect? It powers up fine & the seller said it all works fine apart from the above (I do not want to spend money on modules etc. to find a busted board).
January 30th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Hi Paul,
Actually I created a disassembly guide for Toshiba Satellite M35X. I think it will help you to take your laptop apart.
You can find it here: http://www.irisvista.com/tech/
January 30th, 2006 at 10:39 am
I have a customer with a problem with the Toshiba Satellite-M35x-S149 Laptop. When turned on eother by battery or dc during boot up the whole background is orange-red, but you can still see the images. When it is in windows the graphics apear as if the resolution is at a mininum, but actualy it’s the highest. It does at times lock up and power off if no activity in less than 5 minutes. If on the internet the graphics are considerably better. any thoughts. also if anyone knows where I can get a dissasembly diagram it would be greatlt appriciated, as I have removed all the screws I can find on the back and no luck on opening it. Thaks, Paul