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 computerturns on.Adjust the power properties — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, seeWindows Help and Support Center.Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.If the display is difficult to readAdjust the brightness — Press and the up- or down-arrow keyMove the external subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is atleast 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 —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.Run the Video diagnostics tests — If no error message appears and you still have a display problem, but the display is not completely blank, run the Videodevice group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see Error Messages.If only part of the display is readableConnect an external monitor —1. Shut down 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. See Contacting Dell.Back to Contents Page