CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions.
If the screen is blank
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
Check the monitor cable connection —
•If you purchased a graphics card, ensure that the monitor is connected to the card.
•Ensure that your monitor is properly connected (see the Setup and Quick Reference Guide that came with your computer).
•If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.
•Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defe ctive.
•Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)
Check the monitor power light — If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Test the monitor — Connect a properly working monitor to the computer, and try using the monitor. If the new monitor works, the original monitor is faulty.
Check the Diagnostic Lights
Check the card setting — Enter system setup and ensure that Primary Video Controller under the Integrated Devices option is set correctly. For an AGP card, set Primary Video Controller to AGP. For a PCI card, set Primary Video Controller to Auto. Exit system setup and restart your computer.
Run the Dell Diagnostics
If the screen is difficult to read
Check the monitor settings — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor
Move the subwoofer away from the monitor — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
Move the monitor away from external power sources — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.
Adjust the Windows display settings —
Windows XP
1.Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
2.Click Display and click the Settings tab.
3.Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.
Windows 2000
1.Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2.
3.Try different settings for Screen area or Desktop area.
Wet Computer
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions.
NOTE: Spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the computer. If an external device, such as a printer or modem, gets wet, contact the manufacturer of the device for instructions.
Repair the Wet Computer —
1.Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer cover.
2.Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours. Ensure that it is thoroughly dry before you proceed.
3.Remove all cards t hat are installed in the computer, except graphics cards. If your primary hard drive is connected to a drive controller card instead of one of the system board connectors, leave the drive controller card installed in the computer.
4.Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
5.If your computer has power, go to step 6. If not, contact Dell for technical assistance.
6.Turn off the computer and devi ces, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer cover.
7.Reinstall all cards.
8.Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
9.Run the Dell Diagnostics.
10.If any of the tests fail, contact Dell for technical assistance.
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