Dell XPS 600 - Manual (Page 53)

Solving Problems
53
Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
If the screen is blank
NOTE:
See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
If the screen is difficult to read
C HECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —
• If you have the optional second PCI-Express graphics card, ensure that the monitor cable is connected
to the correct card.
• If you have the optional DVI adapter, ensure that it is correctly attached to the graphics card.
• Ensure that the monitor cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your computer.
• If you are using a 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 defective.
• Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing
pins.)
C HECK 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.
T EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
C HECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 55.
C HECK THE MONITOR SETTINGS — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the
contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.
M OVE 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.
M OVE 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.