Sound and Speaker Problems

Switch the video image— If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.

If the display is difficult to read

Adjust the brightness— Press to increase the brightness, or press to decrease the brightness.

Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

Rotate the computer to face a different direction— Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

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 Me and 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 Colors and Screen area.

See "Error Messages"— If an error message appears, see "Error Messages."

If only part of the display is readable

Connect an external monitor

1.Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.

2.Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide.

If you have a problem with integrated speakers

Adjust the Windows® volume control— Double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts— Press to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.

Reinstall the sound (audio) driver— See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."

If you have a problem with external speakers

HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

Check the speaker cable connections— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. If the device is plugged into a surge protector, try plugging it directly into an electrical outlet.

Ensure that the speakers are turned on— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.

Adjust the Windows volume control— Double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

Test the speakers— Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.

Run the speaker self-test—Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.

Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor— If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.