White vertical bar after laptop crashed on floor

Fun2000

Estimable
Feb 6, 2016
2
0
4,510
The screen of my Dell XPS501 has a vertical white bar of about 15 pixel width running all the way from top to bottom after the laptop fell down on the floor. The bar looks almost whiter than white as I can still see it on a white screen (eg Paint). The graphics card seems to be ok as the bar doesn't appear on an external screen.

Question: Before I replace the screen I would like to know if this is more likely the screen or potentially connectors. I am also asking as the physical damage is only to the main casing of the laptop and not to the part that contains the screen.

I know similar questions on vertical bars have been asked before but most of the answers dealt with heat problems which is obviously not my issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Solution
You need to find the cable going from the screen to the motherboard and unplug and re plug it in. It could be as simple as its been knocked out of alignment. Otherwise its likely sustained damage which means you need a replacement

PC Busdriver

Estimable
Jan 29, 2015
2
0
4,510
ooops, sounds like the screen, very sensitive, i would suggest to open it up, and check the connections, either way you´ll have to open it up, whether it be the connections or your need a new screen.
my bet is the screen, you could turn it off, shine a touch into the screen and look carefully to see if you can see a crack of some kind.

disassemble instructions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goVrdbWoOnA
 

Fun2000

Estimable
Feb 6, 2016
2
0
4,510
Thx for the quick answer. I had it open but could not see any damage - to be honest not sure I would. But I was also unsure how to find out if there is any damage on the connectors, cabling, etc
 

PC Busdriver

Estimable
Jan 29, 2015
2
0
4,510
damage on the cabling / connectors is visible, check to see if there are any kinks in the wiring / loose / broken wires/connectors.
TBH if you screen lights up and you still have a picture apart from the white patch, the more than likely the wires are in tact and its your screen that is FUBAR.
 

sizzling

Distinguished
You need to find the cable going from the screen to the motherboard and unplug and re plug it in. It could be as simple as its been knocked out of alignment. Otherwise its likely sustained damage which means you need a replacement
 
Solution