Any one ever fixed a laptop. Cable to screen is damaged.

[presto]

A friend gave me a Compaq Presario 1250 laptop to try and fix. I quickly found out that the flat cable that runs from the computer to the video screen is brittle and has cracked. I hooked up an external monitor (using the monitor port in the back) to check out the computer and it works fine.

I took the screen off the hinges and opened up the laptop somewhat but I can't see how to get to either end of the broken cable. I don't see how to open the case that encloses the screen. There are two small things that look like screws but they don't seem to have either a straight slot or philips head slot just a hole in the center. I took off the keyboard but can't see how to get further into the case. There is a floppy drive and a CD drive installed. Do I somehow remove them?

Any advice on how or if I can get to both ends of this cable. Is it probably something that unplugs and can be replaced or is it all just soldered in?

It would be fun to get this thing working but it's just for fun. By hooking up the external monitor I was able to recover the data that my friend wanted from the laptop.

Thanks

[hootie29]

This may be some help to you. Here is the link to the mantenance and service guide for the 1250.
http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/msgs/1230-50/index.html

and if you need replacement cables here is a link to them also.
http://www.impactcomputers.com/293759-001.html

hootie29

[presto]

Thanks, I didn't realized they gave that detailed info on dissasembly.

I can't believe the price on those cables. I'm going to have to check ebay for someone selling a junker.

Thanks Again

[jeex]

goddamn, that is expensive for cables.. i just sold a monitor like this one on ebay for $175.

[presto]

Following the guide I was able to remove the display assembly (the video screen) and unplug the cable from the main board. It looks to me like you can't actually get into the display assembly to unplug the other end of that flat cable. I guess I have to buy a whole new display assembly. Do you guys think those small silver things that look like screws but only have a small whole in the head really are some kind of screw. Maybe a tiny hex head? Or do I just start prying around the edges and try to open the video panel that way?

[presto]

I found a guy who offers to repair the cable in question. He solders the wires and covers it with epoxy. I emailed him for instructions for removing the cable from the display panel.

Thanks for all your help.

[hootie29]

I think the screws you are talking about is Torx screws . Check Radio Shack they probally have a set of Torx screwdrivers.

hooti29

[808smokey]

It looks to me like you can't actually get into the display assembly to unplug the other end of that flat cable. I guess I have to buy a whole new display assembly. Do you guys think those small silver things that look like screws but only have a small whole in the head really are some kind of screw. Maybe a tiny hex head?

Yes it comes apart. Those are small hex or torques whatever you want to call'em. By the parts on ebay. There's lots of refurb shops in there.

Or do I just start prying around the edges and try to open the video panel that way?

No no no unless you want to buy an entire new screen

[presto]

hootie and all,
You guys have been a huge help with this. I'm going to go to Radio Shack tommorow and see about those screwdrivers.

Thanks