What to do with a black screen?

I did not ask and I have no idea how they did it.
They really did it, since I noticed that I obtained an updated Bios version.

spunk said:

Then they were able to get the screen to work at least in the Bios.

Yes, everything worked again. The battery was changed while I was there. Then I had to leave the PC behind. They said probably a defect in the video card. Finally it appeared a corrupted Bios. It occurred some years ago, only once, and I have the PC now already some 10 yrs.
I have no idea how the Bios became corrupted, but it never occurred again.

They charged the minimum research tariff i.e. 60 euro (about 67 USD).

I have a different view. Although 10 yrs old, my dual boot PC with separate SSD's runs some 40 programs including several video editing apps. It performs all my wishes. Setting up a new PC costs me many hours work. Therefore I consider 60 euro peanuts for continued operation.

This is so strange, the issue went away by itself! I just turned the laptop on today and it loaded the boot manager. I was already preparing mentally to open it up soon. Thanks guys for your input. I'll keep an eye on it.

spunk said:

Any computer over 5 years old, though still viable, is considered ancient

I am using a 8 year old Toshiba which will soon need replacement.

It seems all new laptops have the internal battery.

- Can those be replaced by the user (with minimal tech skills) or must be taken to the repair shop ?

- Are the internal batteries as durable with longevity like the external batteries (generally speaking) ?

- Can the new laptops be operated with only the ac adapter and not use the battery ?


Thanks ! Please forgive my inexperience with new laptops. A lot has changed in 8 years.