Ok. This may seem like a silly question to some, but I have to make sure since this isn't my monitor. I have a broken laptop that a friend is asking me to repair. The laptop's display is warped because there some liquid she said that got on it. Well, it could have leaked into the inside of the laptop too damaging other hardware. So, to test the laptop, I want to plug it into my family's desktop monitor. But, before I do that, I have to make sure that it will not mess up my family's monitor. Is there any way that the broken laptop can damage the monitor? Thanks and forgive my ignorance.

If your looking for someone to say go for it and do it. I'm not going to say that cause there's always that chance, and i dont want to be the blame. Do at your own Risk!!!!!!!!!!!!! It certainly would be nice if a friend has an old 15incher to hook it up to and if it goes out......No worries.

Thinking logically here,
If you plug in the monitor and it indeed works that does not necessarily say replacing the lcd is gonna work. The VGA port on the laptop may work but, where the lcd connects to the mb may be shorted out. So its kinda a catch 22 on this.

Before you do anything, crack it open and see how far the spill traveled. This will be the deciding factor as to take the plunge and attempt to repair or to costly and forget about it.

BTW: what's the make and model of the laptop?

It is an Inspiron 2200. There's an auction on ebay where its being sold as is. Says that it won't turn on. But I think that's because of a faulty DC jack. So in my case, if I purchase that "as-is" notebook, it'll likely have every part I could possibly need. Right?

You do have a point there......

Although, i found the auction on the system and seller has an issue with the locking code for either the bios or the hard drive. If you need to replace that mainboard that's not going to be a good thing.

So, I'll leave it up to you.....its your call.
It would be good to assess the damage before you order.....

Rule #1: pay attention to what Rockin'Male tells you.

Rule #2: before you crack open that lappy, make sure you have the service manual which can be downloaded here: Documentation

Rule #3: read it, and understand it.

Rule #4: when working with laptops, have a clear space, plenty of light, very small screwdrivers, and keep a magnetic holder (like this one: Super-Handy Wrist-Strap Magnetic Parts Holder - 5 Lb Magnet) around (but not near the components ) to hold your tiny screws. If you don't, you may lose them. A regular magnet will do. Please remember to keep it away from the hdd and any other magnetic media.

Good luck!

-godling

Quote: Originally Posted by godling Rule #1: pay attention to what Rockin'Male tells you. Rule #2: before you crack open that lappy, make sure you have the service manual which can be downloaded here: Documentation Rule #3: read it, and understand it. Rule #4: when working with laptops, have a clear space, plenty of light, very small screwdrivers, and keep a magnetic holder (like this one: Super-Handy Wrist-Strap Magnetic Parts Holder - 5 Lb Magnet) around (but not near the components ) to hold your tiny screws. If you don't, you may lose them. A regular magnet will do. Please remember to keep it away from the hdd and any other magnetic media. Good luck! -godling

Rule #5: Have a magnifying glass handy in case you have to read some really really really freakin tiny writing on the motherboard to figure out which port it which.

Rule #6: Some things will need to be pried off, do not be afraid to use pressure, but be careful not to use too much.

Rule #7: A small needlenose pliers couldn't hurt to have around either.

I have had my Dell Inspiron 1705 serviced by Dell 4 times in the past two years, and watched the guy take it completely apart (except for the LCD panel which he just removed) and it isn't all that hard. You just need to be patient, thorough, and careful.