User's Guide

If the display is difficult to read
If only part of the display is readable
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 Windows Help or the
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.
Adjust the brightness — See "Adjusting Brightness" for instructions on adjusting the
brightness.
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your external speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (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 —
Windows XP
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.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Display icon and click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Colors, Screen area, and Advanced Settings.
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. Then contact Dell.
See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see "Error Messages."
Connect an external monitor —
1. Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast
controls.
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