How Do I Troubleshoot a Blank Screen on a Toshiba Satellite Series P205D?

The Toshiba Satellite P205D series of laptops include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) processors, ATI Radeon video chipsets and display ports that support connections to external displays. The 11 models in the series feature Windows Vista operating systems, although the total amount of memory, port types, processor speed and specific video chipset will vary according to the specific model. This series has a known "intermittent blank screen" problem that Toshiba has fixed with a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) update.

Instructions

1. Hold down the "Fn" key. Tap "F5." Wait several seconds. Tap "F5" again if you continue to see only a blank screen.

2. Repeat at least seven times to allow the computer to rotate through the available display modes. Proceed if the blank screen continues.

3. Download and "flash" your BIOS to v1.70 to install the "intermittent blank screen" fix. Follow the precise instructions included.

4. Click "Start." Type "device" (without quotes) if you can access your Windows Vista operating system. Click "Device Manager" in the search results.

5. Double-click "Display adapters." Double-click "Radeon." Click on the "Driver" tab. Click "Update." Allow Windows to search for updated drivers online. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the driver update.

6. Click "Start." Type "update" (without quotes). Click "Windows Update" in the search results. Install any critical updates or service packs.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for assistance if you are not comfortable flashing your BIOS. You can make your computer inoperable if you do not follow exact instructions.

References

• Toshiba: Satellite P200D/P205D User's Guide (pp. 69-70, 182)
• Toshiba: No Image on LCD Display
• Toshiba: Computer Locks up, Display Goes Blank
• TechGage: Toshiba Satellite P205D-S7479 Review

Resources

• Toshiba: ACPI Flash BIOS Version 1.70 for Satellite P200D/P205D