HP forum: hp dv9700 black screen problem

Hello,
I have a hp 9700 cto entertainment laptop. I am running window 7 64 bit with nividia geforce 8600M GS video driver I have the similar problems that are noted here. I have tried several of the tips to resolve with no luck. I have did a restore point back s week before this started. I am thinking it is either the inverter or the video switch. Before I tare into the laptop I also have noticed things not mentioned here.
1. I noticed that I have no video on starting of the computer that I believe shows the BIOS or CMOS startup text. I can see a very faint image of the hp logo but it is so dim it is like a shadow.
2. When I raise the lid very slowly to the point when I think the lid switch activates the screen will come into normal full view for about 1 second. It will then go dark and I can only see very dim shadows but not good enough to read normal text.
3. When I do the F4 function key thing it will flash full view normal desktop screen for about 1 second.
4. I have been connecting it to a external tv. If I pull the serial cable off the laptop my screen will flash for one second full normal view then go black.

any clue as to what might be the problem?
thanks for yoour time
Pete