LCD displays, both in laptops and for desktops, use a backlight to produce the image. As these displays age often the inverter will go bad. Although the part is inexpensive, often (particularly with desktops) it is difficult to find a replacement. In most cases it is less-expensive to replace a bad desktop monitor.

For laptops the most cost-effective solution is to replace the LCD panel. Laptop LCD panels come as an assembly containing the LCD panel itself as well as the inverter and backlight.

Before replacing a bad display:

• Make sure it's plugged in to the outlet
• Make sure the cable connections to the PC and to the monitor are secure
• Make sure the power light is on
• Shine a bright light on the display - do you see an image? If so more than likely you have an inverter problem. If not there may be another cause.