50 Solving Problems
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Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
DISABLE DIGITAL MODE —Your headphones do not work if the CD drive is operating in
digital mode. To disable digital mode:
1Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
2Click Sounds and Audio Devices.
3Click the Hardware tab.
4Double-click the name of your CD drive.
5Click the Properties tab.
6Uncheck the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device box.
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.
CHECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —Check the connector for bent or broken
pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.) Ensure that the video cable
is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET —Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it
with another device, such as a lamp.
SWAP THE POWER CABLES —Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if
the power cable is defective.
TEST THE VIDEO EXTENSION CABLE (IF USED)—If you are using a video extension cable
and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.
TEST ANOTHER MONITOR —If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer.
CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS —See page54.