50 Quick Reference Guide
Video and Monitor Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide
.
NOTICE: If your computer came with a PCI Express graphics card installed,
removal of the card is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards;
however, the card is required for troubleshooting purposes. If you remove the card,
store it in a safe and secure location. For information about your graphics card, go
to support.dell.com.
The screen is blank
NOTE: For troubleshooting procedures, see the monitor documentation.
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HECK THE MONITOR CABLE CONNECTION —
• Ensure that the monitor cable is connected to the correct graphics card (for dual graphics
card configurations).
• If you are using a DVI-to-VGA adapter, ensure that the adapter is correctly attached to
the graphics card and monitor.
• Ensure that the monitor cable is connected as shown on the setup diagram for your
computer.
• Remove any video extension cables and connect the monitor directly to the computer.
• Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the monitor’s power
cable is defective.
• Check the connectors 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 lit or blinking, the monitor has power.
• If the power light is off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is
turned on.
• If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to
resume normal operation.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by
testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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HECK THE DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS — See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 26.
