Here is a simple diagram that will help you to understand how a notebook display assembly works and how an image appears on the screen. I’m not an artist and I tried my best drawing this diagram, so if you cannot see a laptop in this picture, don’t be mad. 
A generic display assembly includes a very few parts and knowing them will help you to understand witch part can cause a problem if you laptop video not working properly.
Video cable. A video signal from the motherboard goes to the LCD screen through the video cable. The video cable connects to the motherboard (or video card) through the connector 1. The video cable connects to the LCD screen through the connector 2. The video cable (in most cases) is also responsible for supplying a necessary voltage for the FL inverter board. The video cable connects to the FL inverter board at the point 3.
FL inverter board. This board is responsible for converting low voltage DC power (point 3) to high voltage AC (point 4), necessary to light up the backlight bulb. If the FL inverter board is bad, the LCD screen (backlight bulb) will not light up when you turn on the laptop, but you still should be able to see a very dim image on the screen.
Looking for a new screen, video cable or inverter board? Find it here.
CCFL (backlight bulb). When the backlight bulb lights up, you can see an images on the LCD screen. In most cases the backlight bulb is a part of the LCD screen and if it’s bad, the entire screen has to be replaced. By the way, some specialized repair shops can replace the backlight bulb itself.
Lid close switch. The lid close switch is a small button that locates close to the display hinges. On some newer models there is no button, because the switch is magnetic. You can set up your laptop to go to a hibernation mode or to a standby mode when the LCD is closed. It’s done through power management software. These modes are triggered when the display is closed and the lid close switch is pressed down. If the LCD screen on your laptop will not light up when you open the display assembly, check the lid close switch is stuck inside (it might happen because the switch is dirty).
Related articles:
Fixing notebook video problems.
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August 17th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I accidentally dropped my dell laptop but lucky enough nothing broke out. However, when I turned it on afterwards I could not see the images clearly they had become dark and distant. Could someone please tell me what might have happened or what needs to be checked in order to rectify the problem thanks.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:38 am
I need help bad!!!! i drop my laptop an now the screen is pink, it is an hp. i need to know if there is any way i can fix this on my own or do i carry it to a technician and will this be expensive?
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I have a HP Pavillion zv6000 (zv6131us) which started out with the vertical lines and then progressed to lots of flickering and freezing.
Anyway, until I figure out a way to fix the lcd circuit board (not the inverter), I have made due with a temporary fix.
It is not ideal but it works.
Basically, I just rigged some sticks and vacuum bands to apply pressure in the middle 3 to 4 inches of the lcd. On another laptop, HP Pavillion DV5000, I used a half of a scrub sponge instead of the vacuum bands.
The bands create more pressure than the scrub sponge so the zv6000 never has a problem, but the dv5000 fickers every one in a while or if i acidentally knock the wooden sticks, lol.
Here are two pics of the rig.
http://thereids.net/images/DSC03159.JPG
http://thereids.net/images/DSC03160.JPG
Good luck
July 16th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Hi,
I’m using an HP-Compaq nx9030 notebook. recently the screen got damaged. I think the panel inside has cracked. the display is alright except along these cracks. i want to know if it can be repaired or should i go for replacement. Waiting for suggestions.
thanx
July 15th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hey, ive got a laptop and the screen has a thick white line through the screen on the left side, what should I do?
July 10th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
i have adell inspiron laptop .it has display problem.lines appaear and when i tits it is not been there.
July 4th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Thank you for making my keyboard replace pain free. I love the step by step pictures.
June 29th, 2008 at 2:05 am
We have a IBM T30 laptop and the display monitor will not display. However, we do see a faint image.
Is this a FL inverter problem? Thank you.
June 20th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
dear sir
i got acer laptop its working down but not display i cheak the external moniter but also not working.i cheang the cpu ram internal bettry also same problem .
June 8th, 2008 at 6:35 am
I have Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop with me. When ever it tries to connect to internet the screen goes off and comes back.Even while starting the screen goes off and come back to show the desktop icon. please help