I picked up an ST2310 monitor from a thrift store that takes anonymous donations for ~$30. It looked OK besides the fact that the backlight or inverter seemed to be out, so I figured I could fix it myself so I could have a decent monitor for a small amount of cash, since the warranty has probably long since expired. I troubleshooted the monitor and confirmed that it is, in fact, a hardware problem. So I go in to take it apart, and that's when the problem starts: I can't get the back panel off. I took out the screws to the stand (3, two holding the metal insert under the back cover and one on top) and the two behind the Dell logo on the back. However,I can't for the life of me pry the cover off. Are there any more screws I need to take off still or any tricks to take it off? It's worse than trying to take off a phone case and my fingernails are shredded (trying not scratch up the casing, screwdrivers will leave marks). I've googled this issue but no one seems to care enough about this model to post instructions about anything, and the support forum here has been rather unhelpful, and the manual is basically useless.
In the case that any reply you may give regarding the back cover may not be helpful in removing it, I'll list the issue with the inverter or backlight as well: The screen is extremely dim despite being at 100 brightness and contrast. Messing with either of the settings only causes the screen to slightly flicker. The color test displays the colors correctly but still very dimly. I tested it with a VGA cable to an MSI laptop (model not important, I think, since it works with every other monitor/TV I've tested) and an HDMI cable (definitely working well, I use it with my PS3) with Dell Inspiron (2011 laptop model I think, it's away right now) and a newer HP Pavilion laptop, all my laptops were using Windows 7 at the time of testing. Dimness all around. Tried a new cable from my other monitor, but no dice. I've had this problem with monitors before (mostly on laptops, though) so I figured the fix would be easy and it would be easier the tell which part is damaged specifically once I open the monitor up, which brings me to my original problem.
I know this monitor is a bit older, but I kind of need it repaired. I'd rather do it myself than send it in or ask someone else to fix it (it's probably cheaper for me anyway, I live in the middle of nowhere and have spare parts and tools to fix it lying around) and I only have one monitor to share between 3 PCs right now (not this one, a cheaper older model that cost less new than this one did new). If I can repair it, cool. If not, I'm rather disappointed.
Sorry for the essay but I like to be detailed. Serial is CN-OU217R-72872-03U-OC7L. Specific model is ST2310f, manufactured in March 2010. Big sticker on the back says it's LED but the model sticker says LCD. I don't know who had it before (again, the store takes anonymous donations, you just drop off your things and they sell them) so no warranty for me (it's probably expired anyway). I'll be happiest with just being told how to take off the cover so I can fix it, honestly.