3Turn on the computer.
4At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it. If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.
C H E C K T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M S E T T I N G S — Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device option. (The computer automatically recognizes a USB mouse without making any setting adjustments.) For more information on using the system setup program, see "System Setup Program" on page 85.
TE S T T H E M O U S E C O N T R O L L E R — To test the mouse controller (which affects pointer movement) and the operation of the touch pad or mouse buttons, run the Mouse test in the Pointing Devices test group in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 65).
R E I N S T A L L T H E T O U C H P A D D R I V E R — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 92.
Video and Display Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 135) as you complete these checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
If the display is blank
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E AC A D A P T E R — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
AD J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I E S — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center.
Click Start or 
→ Help and Support.
S W I T C H T H E V I D E O I M A G E — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
AD J U S T T H E B R I G H T N E S S — Press <Fn> and the up- or
M O V E T H E E X T E R N A L S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E C O M P U T E R O R M O N I T O R — 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.
E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Troubleshooting 83