How to fix a non-working laptop backlight?

The back-light which lights up my LCD monitor on my laptop stopped working.

What are my options for repairing this problem? Currently, I can barely see the screen and have to use a flashlight to make out more of what's going on.

Solution 1:

You can replace it - here's a detailed walk-through with photos. Be careful though, this isn't a trivial task.

Solution 2:

Another possibility could be the inverter. Check to see if there are other cases of this with your version of the Sony VAIO.

-JFV

Solution 3:

I agree with JFV, it sounds like the inverter ... I would be careful with Sony however. The inverters I have replaced have been using voltage matched generic units for pretty standard setups.

If your system is newer (the XBlack type ones) then you might have trouble finding the spare. A generic one wont work.

Solution 4:

IMHO, it is generally not worth fixing. The cost for a new LCD + labor (your personal time counts too!) exceeds that of a new computer.

You can probably get a new laptop for around $600 to $800 and it'd probably be faster and have more RAM than your current one. It's unfortunate but usually true.