iPhone 4S screen replacement

I have an iPhone 4S on IOS 5.1.1 and have gone through multiple screens trying to fix mine and when i say multiple i really mean MULLLTIPPLLEEE. This afternoon I received my new screen and once again was let down by a failure. I decided to actually do a little research after getting fed up with ordering and read that with a 4S on IOS 5.1.1 you need to update to the latest IOS because of something about the screen and old software keeping it from booting. Really I'm just asking if I should take my money to a repair shop or is this still something I can fix myself and keep looking for a new screen. (The phone will not even turn on. No response whatsoever. Other screens would show a very faint flash when pressing lock button)