How to Replace a Dell Laptop LCD Screen

Dell laptops are only durable to a point. If you press the LCD display too hard, or drop your laptop, your LCD screen may break. Incorrect cleaning can also damage a Dell laptop LCD screen, causing dark spots or even black spots on your screen. Lucky for you, you do not need to replace your entire laptop. If you need to replace your laptop screen, all you need is a replacement LCD screen and a Philips screwdriver. LCD replacement screens can be purchased through Dell's website and at some computer retailers.

Preparing Your Laptop

Begin the Dell laptop LCD screen replacement by turning off your Dell laptop. Disconnect the AC adapter and any other cables connected to your laptop. Turn your Dell laptop over and remove the battery. Slide the latch to release the battery and lift the battery upwards to remove. Turn your laptop back over and open your LCD screen as far as possible. If possible, work on your Dell laptop in a non-carpeted area to prevent static.

Removing the LCD Screen

Remove the small circular screw covers around the frame of your Dell laptop screen. Some Dell laptop models also have screw covers on the outer edges of the laptop lid. Most Dell laptops only have four to six screw covers. You can use either your fingernail or a small knife to remove the covers. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove all uncovered screws. If you do not have a Philips screwdriver, a slotted screwdriver can be used.

Starting at either side of the Dell laptop LCD screen frame, gently detach the frame. A slotted screwdriver works well to help get the frame removal started. Work the frame off the screen one side at a time. Never jerk the frame off to prevent breaking the frame.

Carefully tilt the LCD screen forward until you can easily access the screws holding the LCD screen to the metal brackets on either side of the screen. Remove the screws holding the screen to the brackets.

Lay a clean cloth or towel against your Dell laptop's keyboard. Lay the LCD screen flat against the cloth. Remove the tape holding the video cable in place. Disconnect the video cable from the clips holding it in place. Disconnect the cable from the LCD screen.

Remove the screw holding the inverter board in place. The screw should be located near the frame's barcode. Slide the inverter cable connector out to disconnect it from the inverter board.

Install New LCD Screen

Remove the existing Dell laptop LCD screen from your keyboard and lay the new one in place. Be sure the replacement LCD screen is in the same position as the old one was. Slide the inverter cable connector into the inverter board and screw into place. You can use the screws you removed during the removal process or any screws that came with the replacement LCD screen.

Reconnect the video cable to the LCD screen, clip the cable into place and tape the connector. You can use the tape you removed earlier. Lift the LCD screen into place between the two metal brackets in the Dell laptop lid's frame. You may need a friend to help you hold the screen in place as you screw the LCD screen to the brackets.

Push the Dell laptop LCD screen, along with brackets, into the lid frame. The screen should fit flush with the lid. Align the frame and lay it on top of the LCD screen. Screw into place. Replace all screw covers.

Testing

Insert the battery back into your Dell laptop, reconnect all cables and turn your Dell back on. The boot process may take slightly longer than usual as your system recognizes the new screen.