Thank you Whir.
I just tried that, and there was no "hot spot" that seemed to make a difference.
Another thing that bugs me is the power must be connected..and I have a double strength, brand new...fully charged battery in the bay. Without the power adapter being connected, I have a white screen at desktop...with "noise" lines here and there...as if there was some RF interference..but there are no transmitters/motor generators etc. around here.
The problem still can be a connection...but I have never used a laptop...much less opening one up..and this one ain't mine!
Any chance you may know of a disassembly PDF manual somewhere?...if I could get to the cable that goes up to the monitor..I might get to wiggle it a bit and see if that does anything.
To replace the monitor would be around $400 bucks..and this family ain't got that kinda cash without saving up for it you know?..I was told by one of their kids that they saved up for over a year to buy this thing.
Another thing... I wrote HP..got a nice reply, but this is out of what they can advise...said I should take it to an "approved" HP service center, Radio Shack, Circuit City, and/or Best Buy for repairs....ohhhh Lordy!