2. Try adjusting the settings.
Check the mouse cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touch pad —
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the mouse.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. At 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.
Check the system setup program settings — 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.
Test the mouse controller — 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).
Reinstall the touch pad driver — See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.
Video and Display Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
If the display is blank
Check the battery — 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.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer
turns on.
Adjust the power properties — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center (see Windows Help and Support Center).
Switch the video image — 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
Adjust the brightness — Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.