Laptop screen has developed a fault

jaemac

Hi,
I purchased a laptop from Tesco about 8 months ago and the screen has developed a fault. Laptop lights up but screen is blank to left-hand side and has vertical lines, almost like a barcode to right-hand side.
It has not been dropped or knocked or any such thing,
Consumer rights that I have read indicate the onus is on me to prove it was faulty at time of purchase as it is over 6 months old but how do I do that?
Also do I return it to Tesco or Packard Bell?
Thanks for looking.
Jaemac

Enfieldian

Surely it would still be under a 12 month warranty with Tesco?

jaemac

Thanks for replying. it is still under Tesco's warranty but I just wanted to be forearmed in case they tell me I have to return it to the manufacturer as this would be a bit of a problem at the moment.
The law says: When goods are faulty, if you return them within six months then it's up to the shop to prove they weren't faulty when you bought them. After this, the burden of proof shifts and it's up to you to prove they were faulty when you bought them.
The fault just developed yesterday and I know I haven't done anything to cause it but how can I prove the fault pre-existed, if you see what I mean?

Leo2020

jaemac wrote: »

The fault just developed yesterday and I know I haven't done anything to cause it but how can I prove the fault pre-existed, if you see what I mean?

An engineer's report would be your best bet. But I wouldn't be going down that route at this stage.

Speak to Tesco to see what they say - they may well refer you to the manufacturer but it may be quicker to deal with the manufacturer anyway.

Really the laptop would need to be returned to Tesco (who might sent to the manufacturer) or sent to Packard Bell. Are you able to return the laptop to the shop or Packard Bell?

jaemac

Going to the shop later today so will wait and see what they say. Hopefully it will be ok and they will deal with it. Thanks for replying.

Enfieldian

Good luck.

I have found Tesco and Argos to be quite good when dealing with warranties, the staff have just asked if I want a replacement or a refund although I believe that the choice is actually theirs!

Mista_C

Just for info if there's no visible crack and the lines seem perfectly straight it's a good chance the LCD cable from the motherboard to the screen has come loose (sounds like screen end) and is usually caused by the movement of the lid opening and closing.

When I've come across this in past repairs it usually caused by the cable not having enough slack (it's held in by a special tape) or the tape has come away allowing the cable to become taut enough to pull out of it's slot at an angle.

i.e. if they suggest charging you an arm and a leg it's worth knowing that it's possibly a 10 minute fix to get it sorted and something you could do yourself with care.

pauletruth

after having two lap tops with broken screens you will be surprised that its pretty cheap to fix yourself. dont open it up until you have spoken to them.

Al_Ross

The laptop has a 12 month warranty ,if you open the laptop you will void your warranty.

If there is no damage to the screen or casing you should be okay.

Take photos of your laptop before you let it away,just in case they say it was damaged when they received it.

Esqui

From what you've described, that is not a damaged screen, so should be fixed under warranty. If Tesco say it's damaged, just send it direct to Packard Bell (or, actually, Acer repair centre). Don't think you'll have any problems

jaemac

No joy from Tesco. They are adamant that it is impact damage, which I know it is not, so basically they are calling me a liar. Also they suggested that I claim from my household insurance, which since I know it is not accidental damage, is tantamount to encouraging me to defraud the insurance company. Goodbye Tesco.