Laptop screen is super dim

[Ambrosia7177]

This morning I started up my MBP and the screen was so dim I could barely see to log in. And you can't adjust the screen brightness until you are logged in.

Is there a plist file I can delete to hopefully restore things to a more normal state?

 

[keysofanxiety]

This morning I started up my MBP and the screen was so dim I could barely see to log in. And you can't adjust the screen brightness until you are logged in.

Is there a plist file I can delete to hopefully restore things to a more normal state?

You could try reset the PRAM (hold CMD+ALT+P+R on startup until you hear the Apple boot chime 3 times, then let go)

 

[macstatic]

I would suggest the backlight being burnt out (it's happened to me with a screen containing a CCFL backlight where I could barely see anything except for when external light was directed at the screen).
But it seems you're able to set it back to normal after having logged in so in that case my suggestion above obviously isn't it.

 

[supermariofan25]

This morning I started up my MBP and the screen was so dim I could barely see to log in. And you can't adjust the screen brightness until you are logged in.

Is there a plist file I can delete to hopefully restore things to a more normal state?

You should be able to change the screen brightness from the login screen, that is, if you are using OS X. Otherwise values such as screen brightness and volume are stored in the NVRAM (or PRAM) and are carried over from shutdown to next startup (Again, if you are using OS X, not sure if this is the case when running Windows or Linux).

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I would suggest the backlight being burnt out (it's happened to me with a screen containing a CCFL backlight where I could barely see anything except for when external light was directed at the screen).
But it seems you're able to set it back to normal after having logged in so in that case my suggestion above obviously isn't it.

No, my screen is dim all the time - I think my monitor is fried. Probably because it has been in the heat too much. (Or because Apple doesn't build as good of quality products as what everyone thinks...)