Breaking laptop screen
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Replace a broken laptop screen
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Whether it's cracked or has one too many blown pixels, a broken laptop display can stop you dead in your tracks. But with the right tools, a little technical know-how, and a bit of patience you can replace a damaged LCD. Note: In this article, I show you how to replace the screen on an Asus UL50V notebook, which has an LED-backlit LCD. Depending on the make and model of your laptop, the internal hardware and specific steps may vary. The general process, however, should be the same. Should you try this fix? I also suggest you watch my earlier video on what to know before trying to fix a smartphone or tablet. It's not specifically about laptops, but the information is still relevant, and it will help you decide if you should repair the machine yourself or take it to a shop. Lastly, understand that if you follow the instructions in this video, you do so at your own risk. Neither CNET nor any of its representatives can be held responsible for injury, damage, or loss of data. Getting a replacement screen and tools As for the replacement LCD, you should be able to buy one either from the laptop manufacturer's authorized parts dealer or a third-party supplier. Depending on the screen, they usually cost between $50 and $250 dollars -- more if it's a high-end display or if you buy an OEM replacement. Regardless, you'll want to buy a new screen that matches your broken one exactly. The only sure way to do this is to remove the broken one. 1. Remove the screen bezel On this laptop, several rubber cushions hide screws, which hold the bezel in place. I'll need to remove these cushions and the screws that are underneath. With the hidden screws removed, I use a thin metal blade to pop loose one of the bottom corners, and work my way around the bezel with a plastic spudger. Note: Your laptop may not have cushions or hidden screws. The bezel may simply snap onto the lid or be held in place with double-sided tape. Just adapt my instructions to fit your specific laptop. Regardless of how you do it, you'll need to completely remove the bezel. Removing the screen's bezel Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic2. Remove the broken LCD panel If your laptop was made before 2010 and has a LCD with fluorescent backlights, it will likely have two cables. But as this is an LED-backlit LCD, it only has one. Removing the LCD panel Bill Detwiler/TechRepublicNow, locate the manufacturer's label and note the model number. Using this information you should be able to buy an exact match for your broken screen. 3. Install the new LCD panel If the dimensions, mounting brackets, and connector all match, you're ready to install the screen. Connect the new panel to the cable, position the panel in the lid, and secure it using the appropriate screws. Installing the replacement LCD panel Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic4. Test the new LCD panel and reinstall the bezel As fixes go, this one isn't too tough, but it does take a little patience and planning to make sure you get the right replacement screen. For more teardown photos of laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, check out my Cracking Open blog on TechRepublic.
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