Troubleshooting 101
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→ 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.
If the display is difficult to read
ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS —Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key
MOVE THE EXTERNAL SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR —If your external speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60cm (2 ft) away from the computer
or external monitor.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE —Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other
appliances.
ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor
picture quality.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —
1
Click the
Start
button and then click
Control Panel
.
2
Click
Appearance and Themes
.
3
Click the area you want to change or click the
Display
icon.
4
Try different settings for
Color quality
and
Screen resolution
.
RUN THE VIDEO DIAGNOSTICS TESTS —If no error message appears and you still have a display problem,
but the display is not completely blank, run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. If the
problem persists, contact Dell (see "Obtaining Assistance" on page 149).
SEE "ERROR MESSAGES"—If an error message appears, see "Error Messages" on page 88.