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Removing and Installing Laptop LCD Screens

The following guide uses a Toshiba Tecra 8100 as a model. While you may find a few variations, the steps outlined here should help you remove and install most LCD screens. CKC Computers has produced this guide as a reference for our customers. We are not responsible for any damage that may occur while attempting repairs to a laptop.

Always perform maintenance with the power cord disconnected and the battery removed.

Required Tools

1 Phillips Screwdriver*
1 Razor blade or Xacto Knife

*Please insure that you are using a fine pointed screwdriver that is the correct size for the screws you are removing. Laptop screws can very easily be stripped or damaged if you attempt to use the wrong size screwdriver. A #2 will work for most of the screws on Toshiba Tecra laptops. Another handy size to keep around is a 00 or 000 size Phillips.

Step One

Locate the screw covers on the front and sides of the LCD panel. Using the razor blade or knife, remove the covers. These covers have a sticky coating that keeps them in place. Usually, the coating will allow them to be removed and replaced many times. They are very easy to lose. I often re-stick them to the LCD bezel, next to their hole, until I need to reassemble the laptop. The number of screws holding an LCD in place will vary from laptop to laptop. Always check all around the front bezel, the sizes and the top of the LCD housing.

Step Two

Remove all front and side screws. Screws on the front of the LCD housing usually hold the LDC bezel in place. Screws on the side will hold the LCD, hinges, bezels, and/or wireless antenna.

Step Three:

Unsnap the LCD bezel, this is the plastic frame on the front of the LCD panel that holds it in place. Insert your fingers into the bottom of the bezel, between the LCD and plastic. Using gentle pressure, pop the bezel loose. Move your fingers left and right to completely unsnap the bottom. Then work your fingers up each side of the bezel, leaving the top for last. Unsnap the top side. The bezel should now be loose. You may need to slide or move the bezel left or right to move it around the hinge or hinges.

Step Four

You are now ready to remove the LCD Panel. Tilt the panel forward. There should be two cables attached to the LCD. One is the video cable that transmits information to your LCD screen. The other is the inverter cable, which powers the backlight that lights the LCD. First remove the video cable. An LCD can often be laid flat on over the keyboard. A piece of tape may secure the video cable to the LCD. Peel back the tape and gently pull to remove the video cable. Some models may have small clips that hold the video cable in place also. These clips can be popped loose using your fingernail or the razor/Xacto knife.

Step Five

The inverter cable is built into the LCD screen. It plugs into the inverter, which powers the LCD. Sometimes, the inverter will be held in place by a small screw or a plastic housing. If you find it difficult to access the inverter to remove the cable, remove the screw/housing to free the inverter and give yourself more space. Pull the inverter cable free of the end of the inverter. If you need to replace the inverter, you may now also remove the cable from the other end and the inverter will be free. Replacing the video cable requires removing the palmrest to disconnect it from the motherboard. Never pull on the cables themselves, as you may damage the cable or connector. Always get a good grasp on the connector plug itself.

Step Six

You can now fully remove the LCD panel. On the back, you will find the manufacturer and the manufacturer's part number. LCD panels are not usually produced by the maker of the laptop. Use the manufacturer's part number to locate a replacement for your LCD screen. This is the best way to ensure compatibility. If no manufacturer is listed, Google the part number.

Installation:

Installation simply follows the reverse of this process. If you loosened or removed the inverter during removal of the LCD, make sure you seat it properly when you reassemble your laptop or your LCD may not fit properly.