Ok, so yesterday when I was studying my laptop worked just fine. I pack it up and put it in my bag because I was going to study something else and didn't want it to distract me.

30 minutes later, when I took it back out of my backpack and turned it on, the monitor was blank. I gave it a hard tap from the side and it seemed to go back to normal for about 5 seconds, then the monitor won't refresh and stay on the same frame, and start to "glaze" over (white stuff appearing on the monitor).

Today the problem worsened. Tapping doesn't work anymore. I disassembled the chassis to see if it is a loose cable and the problem was not fixed.

My laptop model is a Dell Inspiron E1405 with the 14.1" 1280x800 resolution screen. My question is, is the problem with the laptop monitor assembly (which I can replace for a fraction of the cost of a new laptop), the video card, or some other problem?

Thanks.

ETA: I am not inclined to purchase another laptop, as my laptop cost 1400 bucks and is only 1.5 years old.

does it work properly on a external monitor ?

Quoted: does it work properly on a external monitor ?

Will the laptop automatically switch to the external monitor upon bootup if I connect it?

Quoted: Quoted: does it work properly on a external monitor ? Will the laptop automatically switch to the external monitor upon bootup if I connect it?

Yes

if not press function f4 or function f7     the f key will have a picture of a monitor

laptop o'truth