How do I fix my LCD monitor?

How can I fix Dark spots on my LCD Monitor?

• I bought a used LCD monitor at a computer show, it worked fine there. I brought it home, and layed it on it's screen to connect the cables... now there are some permanent dark spots on the front. The monitor has no warranty, is there anyway I can fix these spots?

• Answer:

  If they're not dirt, it sounds like the LCD sandwich has failed at particular points. LCD screens work by sandwiching the LCD material between two panes of specially prepared glass. The glass has circuitry on it (TFT = thin film transistor), and when the transsistor changes voltage (at a pixle point) the LCD material physically twists or untwists and becomes transparent of opaque. Lights (cold flourescent bulbs) either shine through or not. The LCD material is extremely thin, and point pressure on the sandwich may squash the sandwich enough at that point to disturb the LCD material enough to cause it to fail. Repair of LCD panels is nearly impossible in the real world of after sale repair, as opening the sandwich will alomst always cause enough contamination to ruin the entire display. The usual rememdy is to replace the LCD sandwich panel, but this is quite expensive. since new LCD monitors cost as little as US$169, it's generally not worth even attempting a repair to the LCD panel. A broken connector or a switch perhaps, but not the LCD panel.