Troubleshooting 89
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" on page91.
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" on page71).
REINSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER —See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page96.
Video and Display Problems

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page129) as you complete these

checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product
Information Guide
.

If the display is blank

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.
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.
Click Start or
→
Help and Support.
SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE —If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to switch
the video image to the display.