Defective pixels are pixels that are not performing as they are expected to do. A dead pixel is a pixel that is permenantly “off”. That is, it will always be black on an LCD monitor, as if the monitor was off for just that pixel. Dead pixels can result from similar manufacturing problems as stuck pixels, but may also occur from a broken transistor leading to a lack of power to the pixel. Dead pixels are much less likely to correct themselves over time or be repaired through any of several popular methods for fixing stuck pixels (see below)

On the other hand, a stuck pixel remains the same colour when it is meant to have changed to a different colour. For example, a pixel on your LCD screen may remain as red when it is meant to have been changed to blue.

Today we are going to be talking about getting rid of stuck pixels on your LCD screen. Often a pixel may be stuck in one colour and it can be quite an eyesore.

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Stuck pixels, unlike dead pixels, often are repairable by many methods such as physically pushing the stuck pixel (in an attempt to reset the pixel), switching the colour of the pixel rapidly (in other words, flashing bright colours on the screen), or waiting for the stuck pixel to disappear disappears (which can take anywhere from a day to years). While these methods can work on some stuck pixels others cannot be fixed by the above methods. Also, some stuck pixels will reappear after being fixed if the screen is left off for several hours.

Let’s discuss some ways to get rid of a stuck pixel.

First, we can use a program called UDpix.  When the program has been run, run through the different colours to be able to identify where your dead pixel is. After you have identified the dead pixel click on “start” and several tiny flash windows will open. We then need to drag one of these mini windows on top of your pixel which should release your pixel.  4/5 Nerd Stars

Another program is called Dead Pixel Fixer. This program needs to be run usually for several hours to release your pixel.  3/5 Nerd Stars

Another tool we can use is a monitor test. A useful website to do this is tft.vanity.dk. This can be run as a web app. This program is useful for testing whether your stuck pixel is a problem with your monitor rather than your operating system. 4/5 Nerd Stars.

Another program is called JScreen fix, a Java application that is decent. 4/5 Nerd stars.

You can also use a pen to push on the screen where your dead pixel is and apply a moderate force. This can cure stuck pixels caused by monitor malfunction. Be careful not to apply to much force as you could create more dead pixels or damage the screen. This should be a last resort!

Hopefully your stuck pixel is now gone and you won’t have to purchase a new monitor! Good Luck! Nerd out. 

Problems with LCD or LED screen malfunction are very common amongst laptop users. It is often difficult to troubleshoot these problems because many parts need to be tested. Before we start, note that any physical damage such as cracks will require a new screen. However, if your screen is undamaged it may be a problem with another component.

 Here is a list of parts that need to be checked:

1) The Backlight:

Also known as the CCFL Bulb. When this component goes bad, the screen will no longer light up. The easiest way to tell if this is the problem is to take a flashlight and point it at the screen while the computer is on. Do you see a faint image? If so, your backlight bulb may have gone bad.

The backlight (or CCFL bulb) may be broken. If this is the case, the screen will not light up when the computer is turned on. The best way to test this is to point a flashlight at the monitor while the computer is on. If you can see a faint image your backlight bulb may be broken. However, a backlight that is not lighting up could mean a broken LCD inverter if you have an LCD screen. The LCD inverter is responsible for powering up the backlight bulb. If it is broken, your backlight won’t receive any power and thus will not turn on. NOTE: LED screens do not have an inverter so don’t worry about inverter problems if you have an LED screen.

2. Motherboard

There may be a problem with your motherboard. Specifically, the problem is usually with the motherboard Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) chip. If your GPU chip is not working, your monitor won’t be receiving any signal from the computer. The best way to test if this is the problem is to connect your laptop to an external monitor using a side connector (all laptops will have an external monitor connector of some type). If your picture shows up on the external monitor then the problem is NOT with your motherboard. If no image shows up, you will most likely need a new motherboard, or a new laptop.

3. LCD Cable

There are numerous symptoms of a bad LCD cable such as a screen flickering on and off, or a screen lighting up with no visible signal from the computer. The LCD cable connects your LCD screen to the motherboard. To get to it we will need to open up the laptop to get to the cable. Try fiddling with the cable so see if there are any changes to the image. If this is the case, make sure the cable is properly connected. If there is no change in your image, you may need a replacement cable. Try testing out a new cable to see if your picture is restored. If this is the case the problem is solved.

4. LCD/LED screen

Once you have tested the above, it may be that your screen is simply broken and you will need a new one.  Before buying a whole new screen, if it is possible, you should test your screen in another laptop to see if it works. If it works, it may be a rare problem that was not covered in this guide.

Hopefully on of these four common problems was your problem and your problem has been solved. If your problem still hasn’t been solved, one of our genius Newtons Nerds technicians will employ a wide range of tests to diagnose your problem.

Here at Newton's Nerds we are specialists in laptop screen repairs and replacements. Often problems with laptop screens can be repaired. For example, the connection from the screen to the motherboard can become disconnected resulting in a signal loss to the screen. However, if there is physical damage to a screen it will need to be replaced. The procedure itself is quite straightforward if you possess the magic touch.

Here are the tools needed for this job.

1.       We will need a Philips head screwdriver to unscrew the screen from its casing and to access the motherboard.

2.       A flathead screwdriver to disconnect the plastic clips of the screen bezel

3.       Some containers for the screws!

4.       A replacement screen. A quick search on the internet will reveal the model of screen that your laptop has. Simply source the new screen from a local computer parts provider.

First, we must release the old screen from its plastic casing. We must disconnect the bezel surrounding the screen by sliding a flathead screwdriver between the bezel and the case proper along the top of the screen casing. The bezel is the (usually) black plastic that surrounds your screen and keeps it secured to the case proper. The bezel should unclip with a decent, but not excessive, amount of force to pry it apart from the case proper. It may feel like you are breaking something but the bezel should clip right back on when you need it. Once the bezel is off, we must unscrew the screen from the casing thus letting it hang loose.

Next, we must disconnect the old screen from the motherboard.  On most Windows based laptops such as HP laptops, Toshiba laptops, Acer laptops, Asus laptops, Dell laptops, Samsung laptops, Compaq laptops, Lenovo laptops, the screen connects to the motherboard beneath the keyboard, so the keyboard will need to be removed. To do this, pry up the keyboard bezel (the black plastic thingo) that surrounds your keyboard with a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew the keyboard from the motherboard and in most models a wire that connects the screen to the motherboard will be visible. Pull out this connection from the motherboard and your old screen will be free.

 On Macbooks, the screen connects to the motherboard on the underside of the computer so the back panel will need to be removed. This is done by removing all the screws on the back to release the back panel. After removing the back panel, search for where the wire leaving the screen connects to the motherboard and release it.

 After the screen has been detached from the motherboard and unscrewed from its casing, the old screen will be lifted out and a new replacement will be put in its place. It is important that the exact same model screen is put in to match the specifications of the laptop design. The screen will then be attached to the motherboard. Next, we screw in the new screen to the casing and reattach the screen bezel. Make sure not to drop the screen as they are delicate beasts!

Now it’s time to test the new screen! Power on your laptop and your new screen should be working. If it isn’t working, check your connection to the motherboard and check the computer is still powering on and you haven’t inadvertently disconnected something you shouldn’t on the motherboard.

At Newton's Nerds Sydney, we specialise in laptop screen repairs and replacements. We have been working with laptop screens for over ten years and we guarantee you will be satisfied with our laptop screen repair services.