7-20 Installationand TroubleshootingGuide
Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Troubleshootingvideo problems involvesdetermining which of the followingis the
sourceof the problem: the monitor,the monitor interface cable, the video memory,or
thevideo logic of the computer. Youcan also have a high-resolution video expansion
cardinstalled, which overrides the video logicof thecomputer.
Thefollowing procedure troubleshoots problems witht he videomemor y and video
logiconly. Before you begin, perform theprocedure found in “Troubleshooting the
Monitor”inChapter 6 to determine whether or not themonitor is the source of the
problem.
If you have a high-resoluti on video expansion car d, first complete the st eps in “Tro u-
bleshootingExpansion Cards”in this chapter to verifythat the card is configured and
installedcorrectly.
Followthese steps to troubleshoot the video subsystem:
1. Run t he Video test group in the Dell Diagnostics.
SeeChapter 5, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”
Mostof the tests in the Vid eo testgroup are interactive; that is, you must
respondbefore the diagnostics continues with the next test.
Didthe tests run successfully?
Yes . It is not a videohardware problem. See Chapter 4, “Finding Softwar e
Solutions.”
No.G o to step 2.
2. Turn off the system,including any attached peripherals,and disconnect the
powercable from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electr ostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.
3. Remove the computer cover.
See“Removing the Computer Cover,”found earlier in this chapter.
4. Determine whether a video expansion card is installed.
Isa video expansion card installed?
Yes . Go to step 5.
No.The integrated video controller is faulty.See Chapter 10, “Getting Help,”for
instructionson obtaining technical assistance.
5. Remove the video expansion card, connectthe monitor interface cable to the
videoconnector on the computer's back panel.
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