Dell OptiPlex 170L - Manual (Page 135)

If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
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NOTE: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting procedures.
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.
Check the monitor cable connection — Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have
missing pins.)
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Swap the power cables — Swap the computer and monitor power cables to determine if the power cable is defective.
Test the video extension cable (if used) — If you are using a video extension cable and removing the cable solves the problem, the cable is
defective.
Test another monitor — If another monitor is available, connect it to the computer.
Check the diagnostic lights — See " Diagnostic Lights ."
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 —
Windows XP
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.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Display icon and click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Screen area or Desktop area.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — If any of the tests fail, contact Dell .