Laptop screen doesn't seem to turn on after opening sometimes

Your backlight is dying.

What's the expected lifetime of the backlight, and what's the route to repair? I'm more inclined to think that it's a wiring problem, but i'm not the expert :) Thanks again.

You can open up the system and reseat the cables; that may fix it. More likely you need to have the bulb replaced - cost about $100-150, labor included.

Like any fluorescent bulb, it can last years - or days.

I have the same problem occasionally on my Inspiron 5100. And it is NOT the backlight. The problem occurs because the lid 'sensor' that tells the computer to take action when the lid is opened or closed (turn the backlight on/off, or go into Standby mode, depending on settings) is a magnetic reed switch, not unlike those used as door/window contacts in alarm systems. The switch is activated by a magnet in the lid, just to the left of the center latch slider. Sometimes, after years of constant use, the switch contacts themselves become magnetized and begin to stick together at random, even when the lid is opened (and the magnet is moved away). The reason the backlight goes out even on reboot after the POST is because that switch is still telling the hardware that the lid is closed and it turns the backlight off. (Everything is tested at POST, which is why the light is on at the DELL screen, but as soon as the boot process starts, it shuts off)

The only way I have found to fix the problem (short of replacing the reed switch -- which IS possible and relatively easy if you are comfortable opening your laptop and soldering 2 leads) is to give the palm rest (just below the left touchpad button)a couple raps with a screwdriver handle. Slamming the lid closed a couple times will work too, but I don't recommend that for the sake of your LCD.. I did it once the first time I had the problem out of frustration, and it fixed itself, which is what led to my discovery of the sticky switch..

Message Edited by taz420nj on 07-15-2007 01:47 AM

Actually, the Inspiron E1505 does not use a magnet to sense open/close.

If one removes the panel "above" the keyboard it also shows the hinges. There's a small white button that's triggered when the lid open/closes. I at one point verified this by pressing down the button with a pencil or something.

The laptop is 11 months old, so years of use doesn't quite apply.

Thanks though :) (I too still have my doubts about it being the actual backlight)