Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

[Kei]

After having VAIO-Link repair my faulty LCD connectors in early July 2005, the problem is beginning to redeem itself again.

When you close the LCD screen and then reopen, the screen blinks a little, and it's like a flashing light bulb which is trying to emit itself (like those you see in movies and cartoons).

This is very scary.

How do you close your LCD screen anyway? Close it relatively quickly, and with constant speed? Or close it slowly and without a big click at the end?
And how are you supposed to open it? Open it with constant sped quickly or gradually unlock the hatch and raise the screen slowly?

I might have to take my VAIO back to VAIO-Link again, and this time with a charge, because my warranty expired this mid-July already.

[robpaxton]

It doesn't really make a lot of difference how you open & close the lid as long as you take reasonable care.

If Vaio-Link were supposed to have fixed the problem early last month and failed to do it properly then you have got very good grounds to have the repair done properly for free even though the notebook is out of warranty now. . . .

If Vaio-Link refuse to accept the above then (If you live in the UK) take Sony to the small claims court or contact trading standards.

[Kei]

I've reopened my case on the defect as before.
The thing is that VAIO-Link had repaired it last month (July), and I tested it all and it was working fine.
But now, as of late July 28th- to present date, the screen is showing the same signs. Same thing when I reopen the screen (flash like a light-bulb). Could it be that they used cheap material/connectors to repair the fault?
I mean I haven't been throwing the machine around my home all day, just moving it around when I need to take it to the other table 3 yards away, whilst plugged in and on. I mean that can't be "wear and tear" could it? Perhaps the connectors they used to replacement were shabby to being with.

I don't know about how to contact trading standards etc. nor am I familiar with court claims. But do you think I can get a warranty extension for free? *slim chance I know*

[Twisted-Rizla]

I don't know about how to contact trading standards etc. nor am I familiar with court claims. But do you think I can get a warranty extension for free? *slim chance I know*

Simply call Directory Enquiries and ask for the number of your local trading Standards office.

The Citizens Advice Bureau will help you with everything else.

As for the warranty extension - forget it!:smileysad:

[robpaxton]

Sony warrant their repairs for 6 months. If the problem is the same as the one that they were supposed to have repaired then the following clause from Sonys repair terms of service should apply: (See the bit I've made red)

Sony ITE warrants that Services will be properly performed and the repaired Product will function properly and in accordance with applicable Sony ITE specifications, for 6 months after repair, replacement or other Services (as applicable). This warranty does not apply to a) periodic maintenance and repair or replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear, b) any consumable supplied with the Product, such as batteries or chargeable batteries, c) physical damage to liquid crystal displays, d) damage to or loss of any software programs, data, or removable storage media, and e) any damage resulting from adaptations, changes or adjustments, which may have been made to the Product, without the prior written consent of Sony ITE. Further, this warranty does not cover damage due to the following: a) misuse, including failure to use Products for its intended purpose in accordance with the relevant Sony group company¿s instructions on the proper use and maintenance, b) installation or use of the Product in a manner inconsistent with technical or safety standards of any country of the European Economic Area and Switzerland in which the Product is used or installed, c) connection to incorrect voltage supply, d) use of the Product in conjunction with third party accessories, products or ancillary or peripheral equipment not authorized or recommended by the relevant Sony group company, e) attempted repair by any party other than by or authorized by Sony ITE, and f) accidents, lightning, water, fire or any other such cause beyond the reasonable control of Sony ITE.

[kee-lo_]

Sony warranty the new part they fitted, so if it's gone duff tell them - they should replace it

[Kei]

I got a reply from the case I reopened:
"The last repair was for a faulty cable connection which was rectified. Please restart the computer. When the Sony logo appears press button F2. You will enter the BIOS, the basic hardware setup of the machine. Does the screen display correctly here? If not, you will need to contact Vaio-Link for a possible service of the Vaio. Please contact SONY VAIO Link by telephone from Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00 on TEl. 0870-2402408. It may be that the backlight needs replacing on the machine.
If the Vaio displays correctly in the BIOS, you will need to reinstall the video drivers. When in Windows, right click on My Computer->select Properties->Hardware->Device Manager->choose the Display Adapter, right click and select uninstall. When you restart the computer Windows will redetect the device and install it with the default settings. Please note, you may need to adjust the resolution after reinstalling. "

I did what he said, and I do have a proper display when I go to my BIOS.
I've also thought about something. Could it be the graphics driver?
Because I have a non-digtally signed graphics driver.
Here's what I have, I've taken screenshots so help yourself and see what I mean:



Could the non-signed driver be interfering with the hardware? Is this possible at all? Because it is rather strange, as the screen was indeed fixed when I received it back from Germany (VAIO-Link). I've had this non-signed driver installed before the repair and still have it installed now. But everything looks authentic.

Look here:





Thank god that they have a warranty on the repairs! I'm half relieved.
So what do you guys think?

[robpaxton]

If you're not sure that the driver is correct then download & install the most recent one from the download area of Vaio-Link

[Kei]

Okay I've reinstalled the drivers which came with my VAIO. Version 6.14.10.6436

But still I'm getting the flashing. It's not as severe as before I took it for repairs, but noticeable. I'm going to wait this out when it gets serious, because I need my notebook for building my website.
I do still have that 6 month repair warranty, don't I? So I still have at least 5 months before that warranty expires.

I can use that warranty issue to negotiate with VAIO-Link. (?)

[robpaxton]

You should really report the problem ASAP.