I have experienced the same problem with the backlight on my oldest Toshiba Laptop also. My problem was solved (several times now) by resetting the connector between the power supply and the backlight. I read somewhere a long itme ago that for some reason this connector is a problem on Toshiba Satellite laptops. (I own three) I recommend you begin by first removing removing the power and the battery. Then begin by removing the facia from the LCD panel. There are usually two screws under the rubber feet at the lower two corners of the screen. (Warranty voiding follows) Remove the two screws and separate the facia from the frame of the display panel. Next locate the small circuit board containing a transformer and other circuitry, it should be at the bottom of the panel frame. There is a connector on one edge with two wires leaving and going to the backlight (this is what I found in my screen, your's might be different). This connector is what needs to be unplugged and reconnected. One wire should "be puffy" or have thick insulation and the other is skinny and possibly white in color. Once unplugged and reconnected, reinstall any tape or covers removed and replace the facia and screws. Next replace the battery and power supply then power up the laptop.
If your problem was like mine, your backlight should now work. Good Luck.
There's no easy fix for this type of issues. you need to think about replacing it (which could be expensive, either the part or labor if the other is not) and it may also be time consuming (finding a good for parts computer or purchasing it from the manufacturer), it is indeed replaceable but depending how old your system is you may be better off...
1. using your laptop as a desktop computer, simply hookup a monitor and direct the image with the fn+ (function key with 2 monitors) to the attached monitor, that way you can still use the computer (statically).
2. replace the inverter (find if you still any warranty left, iether from the manufacturer or the seller, you may have purchased an extended warranty)
Answers & Comments
I have experienced the same problem with the backlight on my oldest Toshiba Laptop also. My problem was solved (several times now) by resetting the connector between the power supply and the backlight. I read somewhere a long itme ago that for some reason this connector is a problem on Toshiba Satellite laptops. (I own three)
I recommend you begin by first removing removing the power and the battery. Then begin by removing the facia from the LCD panel. There are usually two screws under the rubber feet at the lower two corners of the screen. (Warranty voiding follows) Remove the two screws and separate the facia from the frame of the display panel.
Next locate the small circuit board containing a transformer and other circuitry, it should be at the bottom of the panel frame. There is a connector on one edge with two wires leaving and going to the backlight (this is what I found in my screen, your's might be different). This connector is what needs to be unplugged and reconnected. One wire should "be puffy" or have thick insulation and the other is skinny and possibly white in color.
Once unplugged and reconnected, reinstall any tape or covers removed and replace the facia and screws. Next replace the battery and power supply then power up the laptop.
If your problem was like mine, your backlight should now work. Good Luck.
There's no easy fix for this type of issues. you need to think about replacing it (which could be expensive, either the part or labor if the other is not) and it may also be time consuming (finding a good for parts computer or purchasing it from the manufacturer), it is indeed replaceable but depending how old your system is you may be better off...
1. using your laptop as a desktop computer, simply hookup a monitor and direct the image with the fn+ (function key with 2 monitors) to the attached monitor, that way you can still use the computer (statically).
2. replace the inverter (find if you still any warranty left, iether from the manufacturer or the seller, you may have purchased an extended warranty)
good luck!