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Video and Monitor Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
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Reseat the Memory Modules —
1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer cover.
2. Remove and replace the memory module(s).
3. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
4. If the RAM count displayed does not correctly match the actual amount of memory installed in the computer, contact Dell.
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
Check the monitor power light — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light
is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Check the monitor cable connection — Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have
missing pins.)
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Swap the power cables — Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
Test the video extension cable (if used) — If you are using a video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is
defective.
Test another monitor — If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer.
Check the diagnostic lights — See Diagnostic Lights.
Check the card setting — Enter system setup and ensure that Primary Video Controller under the Integrated Devices option is set
correctly. For an AGP card, set Primary Video Controller to AGP. For a PCI card, set Primary Video Controller to Auto. Exit system setup
and restart the computer.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — If any tests fail, contact Dell.
Check the monitor settings — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing
(degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.
Move the subwoofer away from the monitor — Ifyourspeakersystemincludesasubwoofer,ensurethatthesubwooferisatleast60cm
(2ft)awayfromthemonitor.
Move the monitor away from external power sources — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the
screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.
Adjust the Windows
®
display settings —
Windows XP
1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Click Display, and then click the Settings tab.
4. Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Screen area or Desktop area.
Restore the recommended settings — Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings.
Restore the recommended settings — Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions.
Toaccesshelpfiles,seepage4.