directions for replacing an LCD panel (generic, not for a specific model)

To replace the LCD is fairly straightforward; you start by turning the PC off, and then remove the rubber feet on the LCD's trim piece.  Also look for small stickers which may also have Phillips head screws beneath them.  A small (size 1, 0, or 00) Phillips screwdriver is needed to remove the screws.  Then gently pry the LCD trim piece from the back cover.  A small, thin standard screwdriver works well for this job.  Gently push the screwdriver into the seam along the edge, prying gently.  It will pop when they come loose, but be careful not to break the small clips on the trim piece.  Once you have a couple of clips separated, then you can remove the remainder by hand; be gentle with it, the tiny clips are easy to break if you are rough with it.

Once the Trim piece is removed, loosen the screws on the hinges, and then remove the tiny Phillips screws on the sides of the hinges. (You will need the smallest screwdriver for this part)  Gently unplug the ribbon cable (the video cable) on the back of the LCD panel, and from the inverter as well.  You can then remove the bad LCD panel.

Be very cautious in handling the new LCD panel.  They are sensitive to ESD (electro static discharge) as well as having a sensitive strip across the rear backside of the panel.  Avoid touching this area, and handle gently by the edges.  Leave the protective film on the screen’s surface during installation. (If applicable)  You can remove tape just before reattaching the LCD trim to minimize potential damage to your new screen.

Install the new LCD screen by connecting the video cable and inverter cable, then reattach the LCD trim, remove the protective film (if applicable), then install screws and feet in reverse order.  You should then be able to power on your laptop.

Win 7 installation

Next, I installed Windows 7 on this laptop.  I purchased a copy through the MS Ultimate Steal, which is a great deal for college students (yes, I am a college student).  There is a verification process, but the savings were well worth it, and you can buy Windows 7 Pro + Office Pro for a fraction of what the same will cost you at retail.  Google "MS ultimate steal" for more info. (You need a pretty fast internet connection for this, since you download the software after you complete purchase).  I passed on the backup software and saved an extra $14+tax.  (I burned the installation file to a DVD, so I do have a backup copy).
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Windows installed the sound and network driver software for this unit, leaving me only a few minor things to install.  In this case, I ended up using the Windows Vista webcam software since there was not one available for Win 7. So far it works fine; I am using a 32-bit version of Win 7, so there is less difference in the software.  The 64-bit version would probably not work on my 32 bit version of windows, so I count myself luck to find the right one.
Once I was done with this, naturally there were a bunch of updates for it to be done.  Installing Office 2007 Pro created a bunch more updates, so I spent the rest of the day updating this machine.

New laptop for my wife

I am hoping to share my knowledge of computers and helping others to help others avoid some of these pitfalls.  Just so that you can know a little about me, I am a computer gamer-turned computer technician-turned small business owner.

My most recent project was refurbishing an HP laptop for my wife.  This was a dv6 series laptop, and it had a bad LCD panel, which had been damaged, and needed replacement.  As luck would have it, I had a different HP (this one a dv6000) that had a nearly identical screen.  A quick check revealed that the LCD panel I had was a perfect match for my wife's PC, and all I had to do was to also transfer the LCD inverter along with the LCD panel.  Everything went smoothly and the laptop worked really well, but I decided to upgrade it to Windows 7.

After running the Win 7 upgrade adviser, and receiving "no problems" from it, I decided to proceed.