Dell INSPIRON 2600 - Manual (Page 49)

If the display is difficult to read
If only part of the display is readable
Sound and Speaker Problems
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
If you have a problem with external speakers
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that it 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 — See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in
Windows 2000). See " Accessing Help ."
Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.
Adjust the brightness — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on adjusting the brightness (see " Accessing Help ").
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 then click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Colors, Screen area, and Advanced Settings.
See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see " Error Messages ."
Connect an external monitor
1. Turn off 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.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell for technical assistance (see
"Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual that came with your computer).
Adjust the Windows® volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is
turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts — Press to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See " Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities ."
HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did
not turn the player volume down or off.
Check the speaker cable connections — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is
turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Test the speakers — Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is
turned up. Play a music CD.
Run the speaker self-test — Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test