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In this guide I will remove a broken LCD screen from a Gateway MT6704 (Model MA7) laptop and replace it with a new screen. As I mentioned in my previous article, where I was replacing the laptop keyboard, this guide will work for many other Gateway laptops in MT6700 line.
Before you start, turn off the laptop, unplug the power adapter and remove the battery.
You’ll find six rubber screw seals on the display bezel. Remove all seals with a sharp object (picture above) and also remove all six screws found under the seals.
Start separating the display bezel from the screen cover with your fingers. A piece of soft plastic (I’m using a guitar pick) will help you to separate two parts without breaking the bezel.
Continue removing the bezel on the top of the display assembly.
The display bezel has been removed.
As you see on the picture below, a part of the screen inverter is covered by the LCD support bracket. If you are removing the LCD screen or inverter, you’ll have to remove the support bracket first.
Remove two screws securing the support bracket and after that remove the bracket.
Now you can access the inverter board which is glued to the screen cover. Be very careful while separating the inverter board from the cover, do not break it.
I will not be removing the inverter in this guide, it’s not necessary for replacing the screen. But I have to unplug one cable on the right side of the inverter. This cable is permanently attached to the LCD screen, actually it’s attached to the backlight lamp inside the screen.
Carefully separate the screen from the cover and place it face down on the keyboard.
The laptop screen is connected to the motherboard by the video cable. The video cable has to be unplugged from the screen before you can remove it.
The video cable connector is secured by a clear (sticky) tape. Remove the tape and unplug the video cable from the LCD screen.
Now you can remove the screen. As you see, the mounting brackets are still attached to both sides of the screen.
Remove two screws securing the mounting bracket to the screen.
Remove brackets from both sides of the screen.
I found a sticker on the back side of the screen. Apparently, the number above the barcode is the part number used by Gateway. I was able to find a new screen using this part number.
The broken LCD screen has been removed and I’m ready to install a new one. Are you looking for a new screen for your Gateway MT6700 laptop? Try here.
For complete laptop disassembly instructions please take a look at this guide. It’s a different Gateway model but the body is very similar.
August 5th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!
I just recently figured out on my own how to disassemble the screen and replace the inverter on a Gateway CX2600 series Convertible Notebook (Tablet PC, this particular one is the 2619). I couldn’t find ANYTHING on the web, much less from Gateway, to show specifically what’s going on inside this machine aside from the standard user-serviceable parts (hard drive, memory, wi-fi card, keyboard, etc.). It took some time but I did it without any real destruction.
Anyway, I would love to share my photos and notes regarding the process. Tablet PCs, particularly Gateway’s, are interesting animals. Even though the concepts and components are similar, the actual removal of the LCD is difficult. This Tablet PC is very similar to the M280, etc.
How can I post my photos and notes like you did? I don’t see a link anywhere to contact the owner/manager of insidemylaptop.com or to submit anything.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
July 19th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Paul W,
If the hinge is broken, the only way to fix it is replacing the hinge.
1. Remove the display panel.
2. Open up the display panel.
3. Replace the hinge.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Can you explain how to repair a broken hinge on a Gateway MA7 / MT6824b
The failed section is at the bottom right of the screen.
Thanks
Paul W
July 11th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I have a Gateway W350I. Had to change the screen as it broke. It is working fine now but there is a small magnet. I am not sure where it goes. Please help
May 21st, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Guys you the best thank you ,thank you, i been learned a lot about pc’s ,i waiting for replace my ac jack ,i order a new a ebay , just i want to say thank you for this link ,is very good,awesome,sincerely,Benny.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:49 am
I have a Gateway 7330, My screen is starting to go on and off when I move the lid. My question is: Is there a cable that feeds the screen that could be starting to break or are there contacts in the hinges that could be dirty? Thanks for any info you can give me..
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Taylor,
So, if I understand correctly, when you turn on the laptop the Gateway logo appears for a moment but after that the screen light turns off and you still can see a very faint image on the scree. Is it right? This description does sound like a problem with the inverter. Maybe I’m missing something?
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am
I have one question regarding the magnetic lid close switch as I have tried to replace my laptop screen but the backlight will not turn on. I see the Gateway symbol pop up immediately after I power up, but then I have nothing. I don’t think it is the inverter as I can see the gateway image and if I put a flashlight up to the screen I can see everything else as well. What should I do next?
April 5th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Nathan,
You are welcome. I’m here to help.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I want to thank you so much for putting this information on the web. My 2 year old son destroyed the LCD dsiplay on our Gateway MX6030 and I had no money for a new laptop. I was able to follow your instructions and easily replace the display myself for $59 in parts. Thank you!