Dell Precision 690 - Manual (Page 160)

Video and Monitor Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or 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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
Check the monitor cable connection —
l If you purchased a graphics card, ensure that the monitor is connected to the card.
l Ensure that your monitor is properly connected (see the Quick Reference Guide that came with your computer).
l If you are using a graphics extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is defective.
l Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
l Check the connector 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 off, firmly press the button to ensure that the monitor is turned on. If the power light
is lit or blinking, the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Test the monitor — Connect a properly working monitor to the computer, and try using the monitor. If the new monitor works, the original
monitor is faulty.
Check the Diagnostic Lights — See Dell Diagnostics .
Check the card setting — Enter system setup (see System Setup ) and ensure that Primary Video under the Video option is set correctly.
For a PCI Express card, set Primary Video to PEG. For a PCI card, set Primary Video to Auto. Exit system setup and restart your computer.
Run the Dell Diagnostics —
See Dell Diagnostics .
Check the monitor settings — See the monitor documentation for instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing
(degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test.
Move the subwoofer away from the monitor — If your speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm
(2 ft) away from the monitor.
Move the monitor away from external power sources — Fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, and other electrical devices can cause
the screen image to appear "shaky." Turn off nearby devices to check for interference.
Adjust the Windows display settings —
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
2. Click Display and click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.