How to Detach the Screen From a Laptop
Removing a screen from a laptop is a task that can vary quite a bit from model to model. Most newer models of laptops use similar architecture, which makes it possible to provide a general outline of the removal procedure. Detaching the screen assembly is a simple task; however, opening up the screen assembly to gain access to the LCD is a bit more complex and will expose some sensitive areas of the computer.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Detaching the Screen Assembly
-
1
Unplug the laptop and remove the battery. To remove the screen assembly, unplug the wireless card antenna. Most models have a cover on the bottom of the computer that can be unscrewed to reveal the wireless card wires. If the wireless card area is not marked with the wire placements, take note of which wire goes where. Unplug the wires (usually black and white) from the co-axial ports on the card. The card does not need to be removed. If the wires are clipped in to the laptop base, free them so that you can pull up on these wires later when removing the screen.
-
2
Remove the power button board/bezel to gain access to the screws securing the screen assembly. The power button board/bezel is usually attached by a few screws on the bottom of the laptop, located directly under the bezel. Remove the screws, then gently pull up on one of the corners of the power button board/bezel. In some cases, a small flat-head screwdriver will assist in this task. Gently remove the power button board/bezel and disconnect any cables or wires.
-
-
3
Unplug the screen's video cable from the motherboard or graphics card. Remove the hinge screws that are now revealed. Some models also have screws securing the screen assembly on the back of the laptop base. Gently pull up on the screen once you have removed all of the screws. The wireless antenna wires should come sliding through the middle of the motherboard, but might get caught on something along the way. If the wires do not come out, you may have to remove the keyboard to free them. If so, flip the laptop over and unscrew any screws marked by tiny keyboard pictograms. If they aren't marked, you may have to test one by one until the keyboard comes free. Unplug the keyboard and remove it. You should now have access to the wireless antenna wires.
If you simply wanted to remove the screen assembly, then your task is done. However, if you want to break the assembly apart to replace the LCD screen, there are a few more steps.
Dismantling the Screen Assembly
-
4
Remove any plastic or rubber dots that may be covering the screws on the front of the screen assembly using a small flat-head screwdriver. Some screens also have these hidden screws on the side of the screen. Keep track of the dots as they are sticky and often get stuck to clothes or elbows. Remove all the screws, then double check that you didn't miss any.
-
5
Pry apart the plastic screen casing as gently as possible, starting at one of the corners. In some cases, a guitar pick or plastic card can be used to slide along the edges of the screen casing. This assists in the unsnapping of the casing's plastic clips. These casings are very flimsy and have been known to snap with the slightest excess of force.
-
6
Remove the screws attaching the LCD to the screen's back cover. Unplug the inverter, then try to gently lift the screen out of the casing by lifting on one of the side corners. The top of the LCD is very sensitive and should never be squeezed or even touched. Unplug the video ribbon cable from the back of the screen to completely free it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Create a clean workspace. Laptop parts/screws are small and hard to keep track of.
This task will expose sensitive areas of the laptop. Do not attempt without prior laptop repair experience.
Always ensure the laptop is completely unplugged and has the battery removed before you begin repair work.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laptop image by Jorge Figueiredo from Fotolia.com
