Gateway Parts

my gateway laptop has colored line running down screen?

my gateway m series laptop has colored lines running down the screen and i do not know whats wrong with it can someone tell me what it could be and how can i fix it.

Public Comments

1. Sorry, it is toast.
2. Motherboard got sick, apparently video card, which is a part of the MB, or maybe another part, but they are all parts of MB...
3. In my experience that means the graphics processor has been damaged, usually age and overheating. What you can do to test it is connect an external monitor. If you get the same vertical lines on an external monitor that you do with the laptop's own LCD, your video card is indeed damaged. The ugly news is that laptop video cards usually aren't a separate part that can be replaced; more often than not they're integrated into the motherboard. When that's the case they can't be replaced short of replacing the entire motherboard ($$$). It's possible the problem is the LCD panel itself (not likely, though). If so, then that's a little easier to replace or, if nothing else, put up with. You can either look into getting the panel replaced ($$$ but not as bad as a motherboard) or you can just use an external monitor until you can afford a new laptop.
4. it is most likely the LCD screen. and no it is not toast. it can easily be replaced. on my IBM, there are 2 clips that hold the screen on. i don't know how gateway is. it could require more work. anyway, you can probably order the screen on amazon, or ebay. otherwise google it. it should cost anywhere from $30-$200. it would be cheapest to buy it on ebay or craigslist.