Troubleshooting an External Monitor

make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chap- ter 5 and fill it out as you complete the following procedure.

NOTE: The highest video resolution supported by a

12.1-inch SVGA built-in display is 800 x 600 pixels. A 13.3-inch XGA built-in display supports 1024 x 768 pix- els. If your application program uses a higher resolution, you must attach an external video graphics array (VGA) monitor to your computer.

1.If the computer is running, press any key on the built-in keyboard. Is the full display readable?

Yes. The computer was in standby or suspend mode. The problem is resolved.

No. Go to step 2.

2.Is an external monitor connected to the computer?

Yes. Go to step 3. No. Go to step 4.

3.Press the <Fn><F8> key combination. Is the full display readable?

Yes. The Video Mode option in the Setup program was set to CRT Mode.

No. Go to step 4.

4.Turn off the computer and any attached periph- erals. Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.

5.Make sure the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to an AC power source, or ver- ify that a fully charged battery is properly seated in its compartment.

6.Turn on the computer. Is the display on?

Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.

Yes. Go to step 7. No. Go to step 9.

7.Use the <Fn> down-arrow or <Fn> up-arrow key combination to adjust the brightness. Is the full display readable?

Yes. Go to step 8. No. Go to step 9.

8.Has an error message appeared on the display, or has a beep code sounded?

Yes. Refer to Table 3-2 or Table 3-3 to find the mes- sage or beep code, respectively, along with its explanation. If you can’t find the message or code, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)

No. If you still have a display problem but the dis- play is not completely blank, run the Video test group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)

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

10.Turn on the computer and the monitor, and adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast con- trols. Is the monitor readable?

Yes. The computer’s display may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Get- ting Help,” for instructions.)

No. The computer’s video controller on the system board may be defective. Call Dell for technical assis- tance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)