ibm thinkpad?

Most likely the display's backlight is not working. Allow the laptop to boot, then very closely and carefully inspect the black screen. Tilt to catch the ambient light if necessary. My guess is you will see the usual start screen, but only just.
If so then either the display (which incorporates the lamp itself) or the inverter has failed. In either case, it will be a pro repair job.

Colin
October 2007

ThinkPad is a brand and so there are many disparate ThinkPads. You need to know what model you have.

Having found out what model you have, I suggest that you download a Hardware Maintenance manual from www.lenovo.com. Then work your way carefully through the diagnostic procedure. When you have some more information based on the manual, or you get stuck put a new post on here.

t
October 2007