What model is it and did you try looking for a replacement on EBay

After further thought I should explain further. The face of the screen itself isn't damaged. There is a large area from top to bottom and side to side "except for a 2" strip along the left side which comes up normally", which is white with some horizontal blue and red lines and a thick V shaped black lines the width and length of the white area. On the bottom of the V is a dime sized area with radiating lines. I suspect that it was stepped on, since it was left on the floor by a teenager. I don't know if this constitutes a damaged screen, since it is intact, or whatever is behind the screen. I didn't even think about checking ebay. The model is CQ60-210US.

My gut reaction is that the cost of replacing the screen would not be cost effective unless, unless you could do the work yourself. A very quick look shows a couple of aftermarket replacement screens for $54-$74 and an OEM screen for $134. Replacing the screen is likely to be rather time consuming, certainly an hour or more at the repair shop.

This is the same HP model as the Compaq Presario CQ60...
If someone is adventurous and a little handy, they could do it,,Replacement screens around $50-60 plus shipping.
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http://www.insidemylaptop.com/remove-replace-damaged-lcd-screen-hp-g50-g60-g70-notebook/"";

Here is a link that might be useful: replacement LCDs compaq CQ60

If someone stepped on it, you can pretty much bet the lcd is toast

genes, does that mean that it's the screen or the whole lid? I noticed after my last post that you can see the black V shaped lines even when the computer is off, they are darker than the surrounding area of the screen.

Just take a look at the diasassembly instructions in the link I provided...if the case which holds the screen is undamaged, only, the lcd portion (the actual screen needs replacing...the replacements are only the screen, not the case(lid)

A little trick I have learned after doing some of these repairs/replacements, is to print off the instructions provided and when you are instructed to remove screws, tape those screws beside the picture..that way, you know exactly which screws came from where

I apologize for my questions but I;m not familiar with the proper terminology or what's actually in the laptop lid to ask correctly. I think what I meant, is there something between the screen and the outer shell that could also be damaged?

I doubt it, if your machine has wireless, then the wireless antenna wires are there and thats about it...so when and if you get the screen, you follow the instructions up to the removal of the lcd screen choppy change to the new one and then reverse order to assemble..sometimes its handy to take a digital picture of any wire harness connectors that you have to undo just to make sure that they are hooked up in the proper place..not hard just a matter of being careful and observant

Thanks genes, you've been really helpful. I'm going to read over those instructions very carefully to see if I think it's in the realm of my capabilities, then make my decision as to whether to invest in the screen or not. I'll let you know. Mare

You might want to look into a #1 Phillips head screw driver.

Here's a pic of the screen it's different from the way I first described it, it changes, but not for the better. Not very good, I'm not the best photographer. Thought it might help. I checked out those instructions, the configuration of the computer they're taking apart doesn't match mine, I did find another site that comes closer. The process is more involved than on the site you sent genes. What I think I might do is take my computer apart if I can w/out making a mess. That way I'll know if I can do it before I spend the money on the replacement screen. The laptop is a doorstop now, so if I mess it up, nothing lost if I didn't spend the money on the screen.

If the instructions I sent are not bang on, it should be pretty close..but as mentioned, keep track of what screws go where and how the connectors fit...digital pics along the way are helpful first time out

Thanks genes. That's good advice, I'll keep it all in mind along the way, especially the pics. I'll have to summon up the courage then carve out a block of uninterrupted time. I'll keep you posted.

You can always buy yourself a monitor and make it a desktop computer rather than a door-stop.

Might this be a good time to talk about ESD?

One of the best ways I have found to combat this, especially with a laptop, is to wear a pair of those skintight latex gloves that one can get by the boxful/drugstore...futher, when removing modules such as memory or mini pci cards, grasp then between to fingers on the edge and keep fingers off of the face and back where the electronic components are..stay away from carpeted areas and use eg kitchen table

Here is a link that might be useful: ESD-Electro static discharge

That sounds ominous. I've worn those gloves, I can't stand them, I'm useless with them on.

Check out a static wrist strap at a electronic store near you

The wrist strap sounds like the way to go. I'm somewhat confused however as to which part of my laptop to connect it to. The whole outer shell is plastic. The area surrounding the keyboard seems to be metal but it appears to have some kind of coating, everything I've read states that the strap should be connected to unpainted or uncoated metal. All surfaces are curved or rounded which would make connecting an alligator clip just about impossible.

The wrist strap goes on your wrist and the other end gets attached to a ground, like a grounding screw on a three prong outlet. Don't try to attach that end to the computer. What you're doing is drawing away possible static electricity from you body that could damage the computer.

you want your body at same voltage potential as he computer case... i usually work barefooted inside case with a toe or knee or elbow.. something always touching he case,,, that way no chance of a static current difference between you and it.

I feel kinda dumb, but in my own defense, all the sites I checked re ESD mentioned connecting the wrist strap to the case. I know that they were talking about desktop towers, but I thought that there must be someplace on a laptop to connect it to. So, if I've got it right, connecting the wrist strap to the grounding screw on an outlet causes any static in my body to be discharged to the ground rather that into the computer. Now I'm on hold til I get a wrist strap.

You should be fine with or without as long as you take precautions..making sure the battery is disconnected, the power supply is unplugged, do this project away from carpeted areas and keep your fingers off of the electronic circuits by grabbing modules on edges..dont forget that #1 phillps head screwdriver...

Dont work on a computer with yourself grounded to the electrical system. Your computer is unplugged from the power... it is not at the level of your electrical ground... its at its own level of static... your body wants to be at that same level.