How to fix a screen flickering issue on laptop.

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I'm fixing a screen flickering problem on an HP Laptop. I fixed the probelm by screwing in the screws on the screen tighter. However I'm afraid it may come back. Any Help.

Three things could be wrong and if tightnening the screws fixed it then it's probably fixed.

Otherwise the screen will be dead soon and almost impossible to fix.
I recommend you avoid closing the laptop to prolong it's life in the worst cases.

1.Loose LCD connection fixed by tightened screws.
2.Thin fragile backlight bulb and 2000 volt inverter circuit are dieing and need replacement,
risking getting a big shock and breaking the bulb if you can even find another broken
laptop to take them out of, and also risk damaging the LCD.
3.Very thin wires going to the screen are ready to snap off the mother board. I can't even
fix those.

Screen flicker is seizure-inducing! And I just hate it....

I didn't know about tightening the screws. However, sometimes simply adjusting the contrast can visually help - a lot.

Another thing about some laptops: The CD-ROM drive. Since an inserted disc spins at X = unknown rpm this can shake the laptop, which in turn loosens the fittings and filaments. I've been told to be certain your laptop is on a secure flat surface whilst running a CD-ROM. One person I knew had a laptop that would actually vibrate when she ran a CD-ROM! By logic, this would contribute to the problems as outlined by ValMikeSmith.

If its only loose screws, try some lock tight on the problem screw, I was having the same issues with my Compaq lappy, v2570, solved that issue. Apparently the backlight bulb are replaceable, and I have seen some hardware hacks using a cathode case bulb, but that requires some tricky wiring to work. One trick with lcd's to extend their lifespan is to use a black backround on the desktop, lite backrounds tend to cause more of a flicker on the screen

why is it only hp/compaq lappys

The are made with shoddy materials, the lids are to flexible, so the frame screws tend to pop out near the hinges, my next laptop will be a 3 hinge model

And sauter that! Or at least duct tape.

I have a Gateway & an Apple ibook (for transporting). I've never had 'flicker' problems with mine.

Sometimes dirt can aucumulate behind the screen for which you can use an online monitor cleaner like here:- Online Monitor Cleaner

Hah hah! I am hysterical w/ laughter - precious.

I'm writing to you on a fresh clean laptop screen - thank you Nambo! You're great!

however, sometimes it can just be the refresh rate...

Sorry to bump up such an old thread... But I'm having this problem with my HP laptop too as of the last few weeks or so. Just to specify, it's like a white flickering. It isn't just the screen flickering on and off, it's a mass of white and a few vertical lines of a dark-ish blue changing fairly rapidly. But from reading this thread I am guessing it is probably a loose screws issue? Because the way to fix it is to fold the screen either inward or outward more. Unforunately there are a lot of areas right around the ideal amount of tilt that seem to be particularily prone to this.
If it's a screw issue, how can I get at the screws?

It depends on the model.

Some have a bevel that's just snapped into place. Usually there's screws at the corners, which are covered by rubber 'dots' that disguise the screw holes.

Now, there's the possibility that the signal cable (usually a ZIF, or Zero Insertion Force) is either coming loose, or is damaged. If it's under warranty, I strongly advise letting an authorized tech do it.

If not, check the connection very carefully. The actual connection is very fragile, you break that, and you're shelling out hundreds for a new display unit. Usually just a very small amount of force on a plate will open the cable brace, and it just slides out. NOTE - when putting it back in, get it straight in, don't force it, or you're going to be screwing/unscrewing a lot.

The other end is connected to the system board inside the laptop. It's not very common that that end comes out, and getting in there would require removing the keyboard, keyboard bezel, etc., depending on which model you have.

If you need part numbers, look for an HP web site called Partsurfer. It will have their part numbers. Then do a Google on the part number, and you may find it cheaper on the Web.

Good luck. But first, check the external video on an external monitor, to see if the problem happens there as well (should eliminate the system board as a possibility)

Thanks for the tips, I'm going to have a look and if I have further trouble I'll post an update. Thanks again!