How to Replace the Screen on an eMachines Netbook

The screen of your eMachines netbook is the most likely part of the netbook to become physically damaged. Because the screen is an LCD, repair is impossible. The only way to fix the problem is through a screen replacement. If your device is no longer under warranty, you may wish to do this repair yourself. Replacing the eMachines netbook screen will require that you disassemble part of the machine, but the screen is easily accessed and the replacement a fairly quick process.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdrivers
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement LCD screen

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the machine and remove any cables connected to the netbook. Remove the battery from the battery compartment and then unplug the netbook from the power supply. Touch a large nearby metal object such as a file cabinet to discharge any static electricity present in your body before working on the internals of the netbook to avoid causing damage.

2. Take a small flat-head screwdriver and use it to pry off the small rubber bumpers from the front of the screen bezel. These bumpers conceal the screws used to hold the bezel in place. Just place the head of the screwdriver into the joint between the bumper and the bezel then apply a bit of upward force to pop the bumper from its place to access the screws.

3. Remove the screws holding the bezel in place with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

4. Separate the bezel from the body of the screen rear by running a flat-head screwdriver through the joint between the pieces. The pieces will come apart slightly as you disengage the tabs holding the bezel secured. You’ll hear a small snap as you pop each tab from its position. Pull the bezel away from the rear of the screen case slowly to avoid breaking any of the tabs.

5. Remove the screws along the side and bottom corners of the screen holding the screen to the metal support bars on the side of the case with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Tilt the screen upward to reveal the LCD connector ribbon on the rear of the screen. Unplug the ribbon from the rear of the screen. There’s also a small data cable on the base of the screen that you’ll need to unplug as well. Remove the screw from the protective cover over the data cable with the Phillips-head screwdriver, and then pull the cable from the board. Remove the screen from the case after unplugging the two cords.

6. Place the new LCD screen into the case. Plug the ribbon LCD connector into the socket on the rear of the screen, and then plug the data cable from the screen back into the inverter board. Restore the protective cord cover in place, screwing it over the data cable securely. Screw the side and corner screws onto the replacement LCD.

7. Press the bezel back onto the rear of the case until you hear the snapping of the tabs as they relock. Replace the bezel screws, and then cover the screws with the rubber bumpers to finish the LCD screen-replacement process.

Tips & Warnings

• Disassembling your device will likely void any warranty that is in effect; check warranty status first.