It sounds like the bulb is burned out that supplies the backlight fir the
LCD.  Turn the lights off in the room and see if you can see anything on the
LCD.  If you can, the bulb is dead.  This is pretty common as the bulb is
similiar to a flourescant bulb.  I always make it a habit to close the lid,
which will shut the backlight off.

This is about the width of the screen long and only 3/16" in diameter.  It
is mounted on top of the display.

If you are handy, take the LCD apart and see if this bulb is working.
Replacements are available for about $50-$60.  I'll try to dig up a source
that I had.

Hope this helps,
Tim K.

>
>
> I have a Toshiba Satellite Pro CDS420 laptop.  The display panel appears
> dead, but the laptop works fine when hooked up to a monitor.  Any
> troubleshooting suggestions to confirm bad display panel or other
> component?
>
>             Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
>                     Digest mode - visit our web site:
>                    http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml
>

            Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
                    Digest mode - visit our web site:
                   http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml