The video cable may have come loose on an angle. Old Compaq 5000 had that
problem, video cable came loose inside the base from opening and closing.
Usual symptoms were shaky picture, part of the screen missing. We would
open the base, unlock the cable clip, reinsert it deeper and properly,
relock, close case.
"Kenneth Pardue" wrote in message
...
I'm trying to get some files off of a VERY old laptop that hasn't been
run in probably years. Half the screen works (top half), but the bottom
half appears completely black. I realize that there's probably not a
fix, but I had to run my problem through here.

Thanks,
Kenneth