104 Troubleshootingw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mVideo and Display ProblemsFill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 163) as you complete thesechecks.CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in theProduct Information Guide.If the display is blankNOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it isrecommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.CHECK THE BATTERY —If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may bedepleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on thecomputer.TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET—Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with anotherdevice, 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 the Windows Help and SupportCenter (click Start→ Help and Support).SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE —If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press toswitch the video image to the display.If the display is difficult to readADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS—Press and the up- or down-arrow keyM OVE THE EXTERNAL SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR—If your external speaker systemincludes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer orexternal monitor.ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE—Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or otherappliances.ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poorpicture quality.ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —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.
