Dell Dimension XPS 50 Reference Manual

Contents

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 4-32. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the computer, the monitorand devices, and their electrical outlets.3. Verify that the keyboard (purple) and mouse (green) interface cables are firmlyattached to the proper connectors on the back of the computer.4. Verify that any devices attached to the serial port, parallel port, and UniversalSerial Bus (USB) connectors are properly connected.Each of the serial, parallel, and USB interface cable connectors must be firmlyattached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as tothe interface connector on the device. The captive screws on the serial and paral-lel interface cable connectors must be secure enough to ensure a firmconnection.5. Verify that the video-interface cable connector (blue) is firmly attached to thevideo card connector and to the connector on the back of the monitor.6. Turn on the computer, the monitor, and all attached devices.3 5 A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magneticinfluences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power orsignal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attacheddevices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors. Thefollowing items can adversely affect the performance of a computer system: Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such asa desk enclosure Direct sunlight causing the computer to overheat Line noise or power drops and surges from electrical outlets due to poor wiring Line noises or surges through telephone lines High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close prox-imity to the computer Speakers, especially subwoofer, or telephone too close to the monitor, generat-ing magnetic fields that distort the display image Fluorescent lights causing display flickering or distortion Electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables Too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips from one electricaloutlet Electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side of the wall Large metal beams inside the wall behind the systemIf removing potential sources of problems does not help, try moving the system.