Legacy Alienware M17 R1 2008, Pre Dell merger LCD replacement

Hi,

I am having the same problem with a Legacy Alienware M17 R1 (pre Dell 2008. At least I believe these were all R1 as it was the more modern M17x that had the R2-R4 designations. I do own or bought the more modern versions for the kids for college etc.. (m14x, m14x, m15x, m17x R1 and m18x)

I had the backlight fail in Feb of 2012 and got Ztronics to replace the LCD and repair it ($129 repair diagnosis/repair fee and $80 for the replacement LCD). The repair lasted 3 yrs but I am having the same issue. Ztronics may be out of business as they don't answer their phones or emails and many of their web links no longer work. I have built a few desktops as a hobby but NO laptops. Nonetheless, I have swapped out video cards, hard drives etc...and am thinking I can repair this when I am off in March but could use some guidance on the correct parts.


This was my original thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ice-manual-or-how-to-swap-video-cards.648208/ on the original fix.


I was directed to the correct service manual for this alienware legacy M17 R1 (a zillion links to the more modern m17x but few were for this older model which I was generously given a link for on this site). I think I can manage the repair but I need to know what parts to buy

When ztronics fixed it the first time, they didn't mention the specifics on the LCD, only the price. My original emails from Alienware mentions the LED on this chasis statement:

Chassis: 17-Inch WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 LCD (720p)


Potential replacement parts:

1. I saw this item on Ebay which has WUXGA which I believe is an upgraded video display capacity for 1920 x1200 :
APTOP LCD SCREEN FOR ALIENWARE AREA-51 M17-R1 17" WUXGA - $65 on ebay, 30 pin connect cord noted, 1 CCFL backlight mentioned. I believe this item would work as an upgrade replacement. Rob's thread detailing LCD replacement seems to indicate that it would work.

2. Amazon has this item: http://www.amazon.com/ALIENWARE-ARE...enware+17-Inch+WideXGA++1440+x+900+LCD+(720p)

ALIENWARE AREA-51 M17-R1 LAPTOP LCD SCREEN 17" WXGA+ CCFL SINGLE (SUBSTITUTE REPLACEMENT LCD SCREEN ONLY. NOT A LAPTOP )
I think the Amazon part might be the exact replacement. I don't know for sure if there was only 1 CCFL and indeed even contemplated buying CCFL lamps (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) and opening up the display to replace them but will likely find it easier to just swap the LCDs. I can open up the dead LCD afterwards to better learn how the attachments and model numbers of the CCFL lamps for any future replacements

Anyway, thanks in advance for any information or advice. I should mention I have never used the web cam on this alienware so I don't need it if it comes without one. I just wish to know if I should go ahead and purchase the Amazon LCD screen.

Cheers,

MEGA

 

You may find that your inverter has failed and this is why you are getting no backlight. If I were you i'd order an inverter first and if that doesnt fix it order the WUXGA one from eBay as that will also be compatible and I havent seen the backlight fail on the WUXGA panel.

 

Hi Simon,
Thanks for your help. I am off this weekend so I removed the LCD to see its part number and took a photo of the inverter for its part number.


I once again have to recommend this thread as it shows how to simply remove the LCD without having to tear the laptop down as is suggested by the Manual (ie after battery removal it has you removing Hard drives, keyboards etc when you don't have to)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...her-flextronics-arima-notebooks.370113/page-2


The photos/part numbers I currently have show the inverter for $60
http://dmzlaptoppartsllc.ecrater.com/p/10792193/alienware-m9700-171-wxga-lcd-inverter-83-120000


The LCD screen on Amazon (both screens likely identical since they are using the screens for different laptops are $60

http://www.amazon.com/ALIENWARE-ARE...CEMENT/dp/B003TPNHNA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top


http://www.amazon.com/ALIENWARE-ARE...enware+17-Inch+WideXGA++1440+x+900+LCD+(720p)

or http://www.amazon.com/LG-LP171WP4-TL-Q2-REPLACEMENT/dp/B003VWAC7U


I think I will pickup the LCD screen first and just test it and if its the inverter cable I will pick that up next. Hopefully the screen is MATTE finish as its not specified but I can live with glossy by closing the shade behind this area

Thanks for the help

MEGA

 

Yo should order your new screen at lcds for less. Com. The model you need to get closest too is a 1900x1200.. lg171wu3 (tl) (b3)... For example.. (tl) (a1) Any variation will work. I personally would go with the glossy display. The colors pop more. And do yourself a favor and install it yourself. After the bezel is off.. It is easy. Good luck.