Basic Checks:
l
Run the monitor self-test as instructed in the monitor user's guide.
l
Check the
monitor power indicator
.
l
Listen for
system beep codes
that may indicate a display problem.
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Connect the monitor power cable directly to an electrical outlet to verify that the monitor turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device, UPS,
power strip, or extension cord.
l
If the monitor display is blank, the computer may be in suspended, or hibernate, state. Push and release the power button, move the mouse, or press a
key on the keyboard to bring the computer out of the suspended state.
l
Disconnect the monitor interface cable from the computer and check the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
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If the monitor interface cable is not damaged, ensure that it is firmly connected to the computer.
l
Adjust brightness and contrast settings on the monitor.
l
Check for interference:
¡
Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity to the computer can cause interference.
¡
Audio equipment and certain types of lamps operating in immediate proximity to the computer can cause interference.
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Restart the computer.
l
Enter
system setup
and ensure that
Primary Video Controller
under the
Integrated Devices
option is set correctly. An advanced graphics port (AGP) or
peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion card will operate with
Primary Video Controller
set to either
Auto
or the default setting
AGP
.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the
Diagnostics Checklist
as you perform the following steps:
1.
Perform the procedure in "
Monitor Problems
."
Is the computer working properly?
Yes
. The problem is resolved.
No
. Go to the next question.
Do you have another computer that is working properly?
Yes
. Go to
step 2
.
No
. Go to
step 6
.
2.
Turn off the original computer and monitor, wait at least 30 seconds, and disconnect the monitor.
3.
Turn off your other computer, wait at least 30 seconds, and disconnect its monitor. Connect the monitor from the original computer, and then turn them
on.
4.
Allow 1 minute for the computer to initialize its components, and then adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls.
Is the monitor readable?
Yes
. The monitor is working properly. There may be a problem with the video card in the original computer. Go to
step 5
.
No
. The monitor may be defective. See "
Monitor Problems
."
5.
Turn off the computer and monitor, wait at least 30 seconds, and disconnect the monitor. Connect the monitor back to the original computer, and then
turn them on.
6.
Turn off nearby fans, lights, lamps, or other electrical devices.
Is the monitor readable?
Yes
. One or more of those devices was causing interference. The problem is resolved.
No
. Go to
step 7
.
7.
Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the
Dell Diagnostics
.
Did any of the tests fail?
Yes
. The video controller on the system board may be defective.
Contact Dell
for technical assistance.
No
.
Contact Dell
for technical assistance.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Basic Checks:
l
If using external speakers:
¡
Ensure that external audio devices are connected to the microphone, line-out/speaker, or line-in connectors on the system
back panel
.
NOTE:
If your computer has both an AGP and a PCI expansion card installed, set
Primary Video Controller
to
AGP
to use the AGP expansion
card. Set
Primary Video Controller
to
Auto
to use the PCI expansion card.