I have been given an Inspiron 3700 that was crippled by its former owner.
He mistakenly thought that he had to open up the machine to install something.
He started by unscrewing the display first (mistake), and realizing too late this was wrong, then unscrewed the keyboard. He wound up ripping the two cables out of their blocks and I believe wrenching the display cable.
That's how I got it.
I managed to fix the keyboard; and inspection of the display cable didn't make me think it was damaged.
When I put everything back together, the machine boots up fine, keyboard works okay, but no LCD picture. I have to use an external monitor to work the unit.
Now I'm looking for troubleshooting ideas from you guys to NOT spend close to $500 for a display panel package.

Find where the cable connects to the machine and make sure it is completely/correctly attached.

<A HREF="http://www.folken.net/myrig.htm" target="_new">My precious...</A>