Video / Display

[#1]

Running Windows Vista on laptop (Toshiba a215-s6804)

After 15 - 20 minutes computer display goes into a state where screen has no back light: page is visible on screen, but it is Very Dim, unreadable.

In past, by moving mouse, back light would come on and screen would be visible.

After several updates, repairs, system changes, this method of making the screen visible no longer works. 

Now, I must turn commuter off and wait 2 or 3 minutes to restart it.

How can I restore the previous "move mouse" wake up method?

[#2]

My goal is to prevent the back light from going out.

I've tried changing the power management setting with no success.

How can I determine what program is causing the backlight to go out?

When something happens, is it possible to identify the program that caused it?

[#3]

At this point, with "hybernation" starting after 15--20 minutes, and no way to restore backlight without waiting 2 -- 8 minutes, this computer is unreliable and not useful to work on.  

[#4]

If you know this computer and problem, what  should I do next? 

Thanks for any help.       --RC2

[#5]

This is User's helping other User's and it's possible that no one knows how to correct the problem. 

[#6]

Upon more research, my next step, depending on part cost, will be to replace the display inverter. (a circuit board in the display panel)

Does anyone know who sells them, and how much they are?

Thanks for advice.

[#7]

Here are two good sources for Toshiba parts.

   National Parts Depot

   Spare Parts Warehouse

Here are some repair guides as well as some diagnostic guides.  http://www.irisvista.com/tech/

[#8]

the unit's inverter (technically called a FL Inverter) is part number V000101780. that should help you find the part online (sites such as yabe... spell backwards... might help) :smileyface: by simply searching for the part number. if you're afraid to do the install/repair yourself please take the unit to a local ASP (Authorized Service Provider) to have the reapir done. the ASP will have access to buying the part directly from Toshiba for a VERY decent price.

[#9]

Thanks for your advice and  link to a good parts source, Cee_64, and others..


The saga continues:  Before receiving your email, I got a new monitor.  The new monitor does not go blank when the laptop monitor does.  Now, because I can see the Start Icon, I can log on and off.  By doing this, the a215-s6804 laptop backlight is restored.  As easy as that.  But not possible without another monitor or button on the laptop.  This says to me, the problem is software, not hardware.  What say you, Toshiba ?