Dell XPS GEN 3 Personal Computer User Manual


 
44 Solving Problems
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Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
If the screen is blank
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
If the screen is difficult to read
CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION
Ensure that the graphics cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.
If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is
defective.
Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing
pins.)
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.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS See page 47.
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 If your speaker system includes a subwoofer,
ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
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.
ROTATE THE MONITOR TO ELIMINATE SUNLIGHT GLARE AND POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE