The older CCFL (cold-cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights require a special circuit called an “inverter” to generate the high voltages they need. If the inverter has stopped working for whatever reason, the backlight won’t come on, resulting in a “dull screen” unlit display.

Fortunately, inverters are generally cheaper to replace than the entire screen, and almost certainly far cheaper than buying a replacement notebook computer. If you think that your laptop’s inverter has failed- or even if you’re not sure what the problem is- bring it to us.

Inverter failures are mainly found in CCFL-backlit displays. LCD screens using newer-style LED backlights^* usually don’t require such high voltages, and don’t require an inverter. However, the backlight may still fail for other reasons for Laptop Backlight Repair for Dim Screens.

^* Confusingly, most so-called “LED monitors” are still LCD monitors(!). They still use LCD layers- with a colour filter- to generate the pixels. The difference is that the white backlight uses LEDs instead of the CCFL tubes used in older models. (Of course, despite the very similar names, LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) should not be confused!)