Laptop dims after startup

A few days ago I noticed my Dell Inspiron 1526 Laptop LCD screen was dim. I checked to make sure the brightness settings were not changed, and that I was using A/C power. My brightness setting is at 100% and my power cord is working fine. I have not spilled anything on my computer. This sort of happened out of the blue. The strange thing is this, When I turn on my computer and it is starting up, the screen is bright and normal. However, while my startup programs are booting up in the taskbar menu in the bottom right corner of the screen, My computer suddenly goes dim. It is not completely black, but the change is obvious. I don't know if there is some kind of advanced setting that I can look at to see if I can fix this problem myself. I have been told my backlight may need to be replaced, but I find it strange that it is bright when I start up my laptop, but a minute or two later, it dims and stays dim.jdstewart83@gmail.com

Yes, I forgot to mention that I checked the power plan settings. I have always used the "Dell Recommended" settings. I have had the laptop for a little under 2 years, and this problem just started out of the blue. I don't know what you mean by making sure I have nothing "forced."

Thanks

I do have a warranty through Best Buy, but I recently moved and the closest location is about 4 hours away, I wanted to make sure it wasn't something silly before I took it all the way there. I am going to try the System Restore Option and see what happens.

Thanks

Not yet, I have been told that I need to replace my backlight. Fortunately, I have a Best Buy extended warranty, so I have to take it to the Geek Squad so they can do it. You may have the same problem, or it could be something else... good luck!