laptop monitor blacked out

[357]

Laptops have hotkeys for toggling between the laptop display and an external monitor. Usually the hotkey combo is Fn + F8. The options are laptop display only, both, and external display only. If you accidentally got stuck in external display only, you could experience what you're describing. Try holding down the function key (Fn) and hitting the F8 key. It might take 2-3 tries, and it will take up to 10 seconds for each toggle. However, after multiple reboots it is unlikely that you're stuck in external display only mode. To make sure you're actually powering off just pull the battery out; also make sure the power adapter cable is disconnected.

Usually the screen itself doesn't completely fail like that. My best guess would be the cable between the laptop display and the lower half is somehow loose. It is a frequent problem since it runs along the hinges. Often you can get to the connecter with minimal dissasembly, but it varies based on make and model. You would need a set of small phillips and flat head screw drivers and possibly a few torx bits.

Occasionally HP/Compaq will fix problems like this when the unit is just barely out of warranty. It is worth a call. Plus, if you send it to them, you'll get it back quicker than taking it to a box store like Best Buy, etc. They ship to regional repair depots (at least for warranty repairs and most laptop hardware repairs) and often guestimate a return time from 4-6 weeks.

Good luck.