Lenovo Ideapad U410 - no screen output or black screen, and just out of warranty

Question

My kid has been using this laptop and loved it, but mentioned a while ago it was difficult to power it back on after turnned it off. However she managed to work around by putting it in hibernate/sleeping mode only, or recycling the system many times (by holding on power button to force it off). The issue was black screen (no Lenovo logo) but computer was on. I didn't pay much attention because she can still make it work, and I was too busy. Last week, there was a windows update (again) and the computer was forced recycle. It never comes back alive again. The same, computer is humming, but no any visual output on screen, just black. Tried novo button, bootable USB, external monitor, all no use. Check the warranty, just over by 2 months! Asked the service store, to fix will cost at least $200-$300 to replace the motherboard! It does not make sense when spent a bit more could buy a new notebook. But my kid liked it and it does not make sense to throw it away either, when it still looks pretty new and only being used very lightly (schoolwork only). It is sad, especially the brand has been gainning my trust. I probably don't expect a "good" solution either from Lenovo or community, but just throw my frustration here (only because have just registered the account and there is no support email or web form). If Lenovo want to make customer happy, the part shouldn't be so expensive for a short-lived laptop! Just by the way, there are many posts about Ideapad's black screen issue, and many blameed window 8.1 for the compatibility problem. It made me thought so too because the initial sympton was exactly the same. The best thing you should do: don't waste time on fixing the driver or config, get the hardware replaced as soon as you could when  still in warranty. If not so lucky, probably think it twice next time when you want to buy a Lenovo.            

Answer 1

Welcome to the Lenovo Community !
Sorry to hear of all the problems.  Here are a couple of things to try........
First, try a reset of the BIOS.  The procedure can be useful in resolving some hardware conflicts which your computer may have.  Just do this......
1. Unplug the charger / adapter.
2. Press and hold the Power Button for 15 seconds.
3. Plug in the charger / adapter if needed and power up the system to see if the problem was resolved.
If you are comfortable working inside your laptop. try this........
Try the reset again with the battery removed.
If the reset didn't resolve the problem then you may have a failed piece of hardware preventing the bootup. Remove the battery, hard drive, optical drive, memory, wireless card and bluetooth if it is installed. Now try to power up the stripped laptop. With all the hardware removed you should have lights come on and it may possibly beep since there is no memory installed. If the laptop is showing signs of life start adding hardware one piece at a time starting with a memory module and boot up the laptop. If it doesn't power up try the memory in the other slot. Also try the other memory module separately in both slots if two are available. If it is still showing signs of life add another piece and boot. Do this for each item until it doesn't power up again. The last piece of hardware installed is your problem part.
The link below is for your model's Hardware Maintenance Manual. The manual will explain how to remove the various hardware items. When working inside your system please follow all precautions and recommendations that are noted in the manual.
http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/ideapad_u310_u410_hmm_1st_edition_mar_2012_english.pdf
There is also a Lenovo Training video that will show you how to remove the various items.  These are listed in the FRU section.
http://service.lenovo.partner-management.com/content/CourseWarePublic/12769/player.html