Can you tell if this problem is software or hardware related?

[Rodrigom3]

Hi, my wife found her old laptop and wants me to do a backup and then donate it. But I ran into a problem and I'm not really sure if it's hardware or software related. What do you think? Keep in mind this laptop has been stored in a box for over 7 years.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@Rodrigom3 

Most certainly hardware -- and most probably, the screen.

You need to connect an external monitor to the laptop.

If the visual artifacts also appear on the monitor, then it is a failing video chip and since those are soldered to the motherboard, they are not replaceable.

If the visual artifacts do NOT appear on the monitor, then it is a failing laptop screen. While those can be replaced, the cost varies enormously by individual PC model.

HP is not going to do repairs on a laptop this old, so you would need to find a local place -- but I can tell you that if if either the screen or system board need replacing, you are looking a major expense -- probably more than to simply replace the laptop.

Good Luck

[Rodrigom3]

Thanks a million for your answer. I'll try to dissassemble and clean everything with isopropyl alcohol. Maybe some dust gathered in all those years in storage. If not, well, I tried.