Dell Troubleshoot Monitor Issues and Learn About Self Test Features

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Product Specific Problems

Dell™ E178FP Flat Panel Monitor User's Guide

Monitor Specific Troubleshooting

Common Problems

Product Specific Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the Safety Instructions.

Monitor Specific Troubleshooting

Self-Test Feature Check (STFC)

Your monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

1.Turn off both your computer and the monitor.

2.Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove the Analog (blue connector) cables from the back of computer.

3.Turn on the monitor.

The floating 'Dell™ - Self-Test Feature Check' dialog box should appear on-screen (against a black background) if the monitor cannot sense a video signal and is working correctly. While in self-test mode, the power LED remains green. Also, depending upon the selected input, one of the dialogs shown below will continuously scroll through the screen.

4.This box also appears during normal system operation if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged.

5.Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both your computer and the monitor.

If your monitor screen remains blank after you use the previous procedure, check your video controller and computer system; your monitor is functioning properly.

OSD Warning Messages

For OSD-related issues, see OSD Warning Messages

Common Problems

The following table contains general information about common monitor problems you might encounter.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

No Video/ Power LED off

No Video/ Power LED on

Poor Focus

WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE

No picture, monitor is dead

No picture or no brightness

Picture is fuzzy, blurry or ghosting

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

• Check connection integrity at both ends of the video cable

• Electric outlet verification

• Ensure power button depressed fully

• Increase brightness & contrast controls

• Perform monitor self-test feature check

• Check for bent or broken pins

• Press Auto Adjust button

• Adjust Phase and Clock controls through OSD

• Eliminate video extension cables

• Perform monitor reset

• Lower video resolution or increase font size

Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement

• Press Auto Adjust button