Laptop Screen Repair

Using only ¾ of your computer screen is downright unproductive, so stop navigating around that broken computer screen and consider the following before deciding on how to fix your laptop.

Laptop Screen Repair Cost

The cost of laptop screen replacement ranges depending on brand, speed, size, and a range of other qualities. Here are several examples of screen replacement costs based on industry leading laptop manufacturers.

• HP Laptop: The price for replacing an HP broken laptop screen varies based on the model, parts, and labor. Typical HP laptop screen remains will run you between $30 – $300. This is quite a leap in price, but there’s a technology gap between traditional laptop screens and touchscreen.
• Toshiba Laptop: LCD screens can be the most expensive parts to repair on any laptop, but to fix a broken Toshiba laptop screen, figure to spend around $250 – $500 depending on the screen size and type. The age of your computer will also come into consideration because the price of computer screen repair services may outweigh those of a new laptop.
• Dell Laptop: Without a warranty repair from the manufacturer, laptop computer screen repairs quickly become expensive. To replace Dell’s cracked laptop screen, the starting price depending on make, model, and size of the screen is around $200.

CPR Laptop Screen Repair Service

Whether you choose Geek Squad or another local computer screen repair service, CPR Cell Phone Repair has 16 years in the repair business, so we understand some of the most common issues affecting laptops and how to correct them.

• HP Laptop: $150 (price compared to the HP Zbook 17)
• Toshiba Laptop: Toshiba Laptop: $450 (size of screen is a deciding factor for LCD monitors)
• Dell Laptop: $200 (price compared to the Dell 17R)

Competitor’s Screen Repair Services

Best Buy and Geek Squad are notorious for pricey repairs and slow turn around times because they do not perform any of the repairs in house, but utilize a third party company to do the heavy lifting. After contacting multiple Geek Squad representatives, I was informed that without having their protection plan, which starts at $59.99 for computers, you’re looking at various prices.

Without the Geek Squad protection plan, you’ll be required to pay, $34.95 as a deposit service fee. After Geek Squad ships out your broken laptop to their service center, you’ll then receive an estimate for parts and labor. I was informed by a member of Geek Squad that LCD screen replacement starts at $200. If your laptop happens to be touchscreen, expect repair prices to go up tremendously. Since Geek Squad doesn’t do any repairs in-house, the turn around time and repair cost will hurt your wallet and your head.

Laptop Screen Repair Kits

Replacing your broken laptop screen can quickly become pricey and labor intensive, but if you have decided to repair the screen yourself, here’s the DIY kits experts are recommending. Please keep in mind that the recommended toolkits do not come with replacement laptop screens and are sold separately.

1. Laptop Screen Replacement Tool Kit by Screen Surgeons
   1. Price: $10.00
   2. Comes with:
      1. PH0 Philips Electronics Screwdriver
      2. Metal Tweezers (To manipulate cables and remove stuck screws)
      3. Hobby Knife (To remove plastic and rubber screw covers and to lift adhesive tape)
2. 11 Piece PC Computer Tool Kit with Carrying Case by Startech
   
   1. Price: $14.66
   2. Comes with:
      1. Tube to store spare screws and nuts
      2. Chip extractor
      3. Three prong parts retriever
      4. Assemble tweezers

Computer Touch Screen Repair Tips

Depending on the make, model, and size of your computer touch screen, repair prices varies. You can purchase laptop screens for as little as $49, but knowing which make and model to get is crucial, so your repair is successful. If you have decided to repair your laptop’s cracked touch screen yourself, carefully follow these steps below.

1. Remove all power supplies (battery and power adapter) from the laptop.
2. Along the four corners of the bezel, remove the screw covers. There will also be 4 square screw covers on the inner lining that need to be removed too.
3. Once the screw covers have been removed, proceed with removing the eight bezel screws.
4. Remove the bezel while carefully moving along the parameter. With ease, pry the plastic away from the screen being careful not to separate it completely on the left side of the LCD.
5. Slowly swing the bezel to the left and disconnect the security reader.
6. Remove both inverter screws located on the left and right hand of the screen.
7. Remove the two screws on the auxiliary panel located on the bottom right corner of the panel.
8. Next, remove the four frame screws that are securing the LCD screen. The four screws may be located in each corner of the bezel.
9. Slowly lean the screen forward, so the connections behind it are exposed and disconnect the digitizer cable from the back cover hub.
10. Disconnect the video cable by peeling off the video connector tabs.
11. Gently place the screen on the keyboard and remove the final two screws that holding the frame rail to the LCD panel. Repeat the same steps on the other side of the screen.
12. Separate the inverter cable from the LCD panel.
13. Separate the digitizer from the screen, so start by removing all the tape holding the LCD driver circuit, then discard the old LCD.
14. Make sure your screen doesn’t scratch by placing a cloth of paper towel on the keyboard.
15. Gently place the new screen on the keyboard.
16. Turning the screen around, remove the two small screws securing the driver circuit of the screen.
17. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the glue holding the circuit board to the panel.
18. Reinstall the digitizer by sliding it under the circuit board slowly, and then secure it with tape.
19. Lift one corner of the digitizer at a time and bend out the protective film tabs. If you feel resistance, go slowly, so they don’t break.
20. Remove the protective film by flipping over the screen.
21. It is recommended that you purchase a resistive touch panel that comes in a form of glass screen protector, which is generally not a part of an LCD panel and is sold separately. Doing so will enhance the life of your laptop, so a crack is easier to fend off in the future.
22. Place the glass directly on the adhesive on top of the screen so the sensor lead is on the correct side.
23. Slowly flip over the screen and reconnect the sensor lead and lock in securely with a screwdriver.
24. Using two screws, reinstall the frame rail on one side and repeat on the other.
25. Reattach the inverter cable to the new screen and secure it with tape.
26. Reconnect the video cable and secure it with tape by placing the new screen on the back cover facing down.
27. Reconnect the digitizer cable to the back of the hub with little pressure.
28. Accurately align the LCD panel with the back cover, then replace the four frame screws located in each corner.
29. Reconnect the inverter to the screen first on one side, and then to the laptop power on the opposite side.
30. Gently secure the inverter screw.
31. Test your new screen by reconnecting the power to your laptop and turning it on. Once it’s on, go to “Start” menu, search “Calibrate” and follow the listed instructions. Once finished, the computer will shut down and disconnect the power from the laptop.
32. Reinstall and firmly secure the auxiliary buttons board that requires no screws.
33. Reconnect the fingerprint security reader before reinstalling the bezel.
34. Slowly swing the bezel into position and evenly apply pressure on both sides. Snap the bezel back into place by moving around the parameter of the display assembly.
35. Replace the eight bezel screws and their rubber screw covers.
36. Place the battery back into place, and you’re done.

How to Replace LCD Laptop Screen – DIY Guide

After choosing one of the recommended laptop screen repair kits above, proceed with caution if you decide to repair your cracked laptop screen yourself. Further damage may result if repaired incorrectly, so please leave all repairs to the professionals at, CPR Cell Phone Repair.

1. Remove the Screen Bezel
   1. After you’ve disconnected the power supply and removed the battery from the laptop, examine the bezel around the edge of the laptop screen. To remove this bezel, you’ll need to access the screws that hold the LCD panel together. Depending on the model of the laptop, there may be cushions on top of the screws that must be removed prior. If your laptop doesn’t have a cushions or screws, the bezel may just snap onto the lip. The goal here is to completely remove the bezel.
   2. After the screws have been removed, use one of the thin blade tools to pop the bottom corners loose. Using the spudger tool, make your way around the bezel.
2. Remove the Broken LCD Screen
   1. Once the LCD’s mounting brackets are free, you can easily remove the screws that attach it to the lid. Next, lay the display front-side down on the case and carefully disconnect the cable attached.
3. Which screen do I buy?
   1. Now that all the cables have been disconnected from the LCD screen, locate the manufacturer’s label and note the model number. This information is crucial in determining the exact match for your broken computer screen.
4. Installing new LCD Panel
   1. Your new screen has officially arrived, so make sure that it matches the old one prior to performing any installs. Ensuring the dimensions, connectors, and mounting brackets all match, you’re finally ready to install your new screen.
   2. Connect the cable to the new panel, position the panel in the lid carefully, then secure it together using the same screws you used to disconnect.
5. Testing new LCD and reinstalling bezel
   1. Before installing the bezel, test the new panel. Reconnect the battery and power cable, and then power on your laptop. If the display successfully works, install the bezel and any screws or rubber cushions.

If replacing your broken laptop screen is too advanced, and you’re worried further damages will arise, consult with your local CPR Cell Phone Repair store

Laptop Screen Protectors

Invest in screen protectors to avoid a jaw-dropping crack across your laptop and repair fees. Especially if you have a touchscreen laptop, a simple screen protector will save you the time and money if it were ever to break. If you’re looking to enhance your laptop’s screen, there are also privacy and anti-glare screen protectors for the right price.

Sources:

LaptopScreen.com: Touch Screen Repair – How to Replace Touch Screen LCD Panel on a Tablet PC

TechRepublic: How to replace a broken laptop screen