Dell XPS 13, Locked Display?

Discussion in 'BIOS Mods' started by misobol, Jan 16, 2014.

  1. misobol

    misobol MDL Novice

    Jan 16, 2014
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    #1 misobol, Jan 16, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2014
    Hey All,

    I had to replace screen on my Dell XPS 13 L3221X due to accident.
    I bought LCD assembly from newer model of my laptop ( L322X ) which is better spec - FULL HD/IPS.

    Now after fitting this screen into my old laptop I get 8 beeps and no image on the screen.
    The connector is the same on both screens and I can't see how it could be incompatible hw wise.


    Is it possible that Dell made white list for displays?
    If so would do you think it would be possible to unlock it? The bios found on my laptop is Insyde.


    Thanks for any help.
     
  2. tqhoang

    tqhoang MDL BIOS Modder

    Apr 29, 2008
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  3. misobol

    misobol MDL Novice

    Jan 16, 2014
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    #3 misobol, Jan 16, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2014
    (OP)
    It stays completely blank.

    How probable is it that is white listed though? I could try forcing higher model bios onto mine as one solution.
     
  4. tonto11

    tonto11 MDL Addicted

    Jun 18, 2012
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    Disconnect the display
    Attach an external monitor
    reboot, enter the bios setup
    see what it says about the display
    ie can you set the bios for the new display?

    shutdown, reconnect the display , leave the external monitor attached
    reboot he computer
    enter the bios
    push F8 till you see something on either or both displays
    repeat the process


    ...T
     
  5. misobol

    misobol MDL Novice

    Jan 16, 2014
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    Thanks, I'll try that when I get home.

    One thing though, the bios on this laptop is very limited and it does't have any info about display connected.
    Also it does make those beeps which makes me thing switching displays won't activate it. But i'll give it a go.
     
  6. misobol

    misobol MDL Novice

    Jan 16, 2014
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    With new display connected there's no going to bios, laptop beeps 8 times and nothing comes on any of the screens.

    I've even tried hot swap while laptop was working. I could see when I was connecting display ribbon that device manager refreshed
    devices but nothing new got installed. Even with hot swap the new display back light doesn't come up, it basically stays completely down.
    I tried swapping display output with FN+F1 but that's not helping either.

    I guess I'm out of luck. I might get new mother board.
     
  7. tonto11

    tonto11 MDL Addicted

    Jun 18, 2012
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    #7 tonto11, Jan 16, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2014
    It pays to read before you type. I did not.
    having read I now realize there is no external display port on an xps13
    but if you have access to an expansion adapter there's a couple of external port on it

    Did a google for xps13 + beeps 8 times
    and found someone with a similar problem
    I was struck with his resolution of it:


    I will try to see what the connection is like within the LCD panel and then reconnect everything.

    Well, it's fixed!

    I guess through regular use, somehow the cable disconnected from the back of the LCD screen. I just can't believe how crappy of a connection it is. It is the thinnest ribbon and there is no snap connection. It's literally pushed directly into it with nothing keeping it secure besides a lame piece of tape.

    It's all put back together and working.

    Sounds like it could use some duct tape.

    ...T