How to replace a notebook screen (15/01/2013)

Your tools for the job

If you have ever broken your notebook screen; you will recall that question that pops into your head 'is that it for my notebook?'

In fact, it is relatively easy to replace your broken screen and I will show you how to do this with my guide on how to replace a notebook screen......

Find all those naughty little screws....

I should point out that the method varies from notebook to notebook, laptop to laptop and screen to screen. Though the general principles do not change.

This is the method I used to change my Toshiba Notebook screen. If, having read this guide, you feel confident to change your screen then great. If not, then google for specific instructions for your laptop or notebook.

What you need: A small Philips screwdriver, a small flat-headed screwdriver, a new notebook screen and a clear and organised working space.

'Screws, glorious screws...'

Taking out the old screen

1. Power down your laptop, remove the power cable (if plugged in) and remove the battery;
2. Open up your laptop. You will no doubt recognise the plastic frame that sits around the outside of your screen;
3. Identify the screws holding the plastic frame in place (they may be covered). Remove any screw covers and unscrew the screws;
4. Carefully unclip the plastic frame (you may need to use a flat-headed screwdriver to lever the frame free - though be careful as you could snap the frame);
5. You will find that the screen is screwed to two metal arms (on the left and right of the screen) and then screwed to the lid;
6. Unscrew the screen (with arms) from the lid;
7. Carefully pull the lid and screen apart so that you can see the back of the screen;
8. Unscrew the screen from the metal arms;
9. You will see a cable running to (and connected to) the back of the screen (a video cable). Disconnect this from the back of the screen; and
10. Remove the screen. You may find tape holding the screen in place (for further protection) which can be re-used for the new screen or removed completely (the screws are the most important thing). 

Carefully pull screen away from lid

Then make a note of the model number and order your replacement (you must order the correct model!).

Putting the new screen in

Lots to see but nothing to fret about!

1. Do the reverse of what you have just done!
2. Put the new screen in place between the metal arms and screw tight;
3. Reconnect the video cable to the back of the new screen (you should feel it clip into place);
4. Apply any tape you want to use/re-use (for added protection);
5. Close screen and lid up together and screw screen to lid;
6. Carefully re-clip the plastic frame by applying light but firm pressure (you should feel it clip into place);
7. Screw the plastic frame into place and re-apply any screw covers; and
8. Connect battery and any power cable and power up (your Notebook may start up in recovery mode depending on how you shutdown).

And you are done!

Introducing the video cable

Tips

• Work on a clean, organised, surface;
• Collect together the screws as you remove them. Keep the screws from the same group together (e.g. keep all the screws from the plastic frame together). 
• Organise these groups on your work space in the order that you will need them when putting the new screen in (e.g. the last screws you remove when taking out the old screen should be the ones nearest to you when you fit the new screen);
• Stay calm, organised and methodical!  

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.