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April 22nd, 2025 23:24

Screen flickering driving me crazy

Inspiron 7373 2-in-1

Inspiron 7373 2-in-1

So, for the past few years, randomly, with no warning or obvious trigger, the screen on my laptop goes to flickering lightning fast.  I have tried installing, removing, updating the display driver to no effect.  I have watched countless videos and done everything with no results.  It does it when the task manager is displayed, I run firefox, Ive never dropped the computer or got it wet. It will go for weeks, sometimes a month or more and never do it, but randomly it will start flickering when plugged in or unplugged, doesnt matter, and it will mildly stop flickering if you adjust the screen brightness to a certain spot, but if I change what Im doing on the screen, open a new browser tab, go to desktop, whatever I change, it will go back to flickering.  I have opened the back of the laptop before and checked the cable connection and it seemed fine, but thats been a year or so.  Im really at the end of my wits here and ready to destroy a seemingly fine computer because of the flickering as it renders the computer essentially unusable at the time because it will make you sick to look at it. 

I went on vacation a couple weeks ago and when I left, the screen was flickering, I shut it down completely and left it at home for 16 days, got home, started it back up and it was flickering like I never left.  Any other options here yall?  

10 Elder

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28.7K Posts

April 22nd, 2025 23:57

Run a screen diagnostic -- hold D through powerup.  Does the screen flicker during that?

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April 23rd, 2025 00:12

@ejn63​ Yes. 

Thing is, right now I have the laptop plugged in, and the screen brightness adjusted down to about 1/3 brightness and its not happening, but if I adjust the brightness up or down even the slightest notch, it goes crazy.  If I take it off power I have to adjust it again and it intermittently flickers super fast

10 Elder

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28.7K Posts

April 23rd, 2025 01:16

That suggests the screen needs to be replaced, but before jumping on that, realize that a screen will likely cost about what the system is worth, and that's before any labor charge.

There are some screen assemblies on EBay for about $70 -- if you can change it yourself (service manual below) it may make sense.

 If it's not the screen, the mainboard is the other possible faulty component -- and that will cost as much or more than a complete replacement (used) system.

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April 23rd, 2025 01:39

@ejn63​ Im at that point.  This computer is unusable like this, because other than the screen, its fine.  I use it for entertainment only: streaming shows and movies, listening to music, and thats about it. I play a few light games from Steam or an emulator, but thats all.  I guess time to look at a new computer and Im not brand loyal.  Thanks for helping me

(edited)

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April 23rd, 2025 17:09

It sounds like a hardware issue, likely with the LCD cable or screen backlight. Try re-seating or replacing the LCD cable, as it might be loose or damaged. You can also test with an external monitor — if it works fine, the problem is likely with the laptop screen itself.

Check your display settings to ensure the refresh rate is correct, and updating the BIOS might help fix any hardware conflicts. If none of these work, it may be best to take it to a service center for a more in-depth inspection.

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