As we all know, accidents happen. Unfortunately, sometimes such accidents happen to our beloved computers or laptops. Most commonly, laptops have something dropped on them that breaks the laptop’s screen. In other cases, the laptop itself is dropped only to be picked up with a cracked screen. The damage is done and is irreversible. It’s time to consider options: repair it myself or use a professional shop. This guide is for the brave computer technician who isn’t afraid of working with small parts, brittle plastics, and laptop screen panels. Caveat! Attempting to repair this laptop may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

A laptop screen is repaired by replacing the current screen with a new one. To do this, you will first need to remove the bezel (plastic frame that surrounds the screen). You will then need to unscrew the metal brackets that hold the screen in place. Next, you will need to unscrew the screen from the brackets. You will then be able to identify the laptop screen model number and serial information. With that information in hand, you’ll be able to order a replacement screen online. Once it arrives, unplug the inverter cable from the inverter and unplug the data cable (flex cable) that goes from the laptop to the screen.

With the old screen removed, put the new screen in its place. Do not remove any plastic film that is protecting the new screen yet in case the problem is not fixed by transplanting. Connect both cables to the new laptop screen and turn on the machine. If the screen displays correctly, you are good to go. Remove the plastic film over the screen and start screwing the laptop screen into the mounts on each side. Once the brackets hold the screen in place, screw the brackets into the back cover of the laptop. Finally, replace the bezel and the screws that hold it in place.

The laptop screen repair procedure is slightly different from one laptop to another. Some laptops use a screwless bezel that is attached with plastic clips. These bezels must be removed carefully so as not to break the plastic latches. Once they are broken, the bezel will not stay in place properly. Older laptops tend to have bezels with many screws (4 to 8) hidden under small round screw covers. You will need to remove the covers and then the screws before peeling off the bezel.

In some rare cases, usually with HP or Sony Vaios laptops, you won’t be able to remove the bezel that surrounds the laptop’s screen without first removing the screen entirely from the bottom assembly of the laptop. This requires a more complete disassembly of the laptop. As with most hardware repairs, I would recommend leaving it to professionals. While attempting a repair yourself can save a few bucks if the repair is successful, you may run into more difficulties that online guides won’t be able to help you with. Also, you will have no warranty on your own repair and may even void the manufacturer’s warranty.