Dell Inspiron 3700 - Manual (Page 67)

support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-23
6. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7. Press the <Fn> down-arrow or <Fn> up-arrow key combination to adjust the
brightness. Is the full display readable?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 9.
8. Has an error message or flash code appeared?
Yes. Refer to Appendix C, “Error Messages and Flash Codes,” to find the
message or flash code, along with its explanation. If you can’t find the message
or code, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
No. If you still have a display problem but the display is not completely blank,
run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical
assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
9. Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
10. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor’s brightness and
contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?
Yes. The computer’s display may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. The computer’s video controller on the system board may be defective. Call
Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
!  -+ . 
During POST, the computer checks to see if an external monitor is attached to the
computer. If no image appears on the external monitor when the computer boots,
make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” and fill it
out as you perform the following steps:
1. Press the <Fn><F8> key combination on the integrated keyboard several times.
Does an image appear on the external monitor?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
2. Make sure the external monitor’s video cable is firmly connected to the
computer’s external video connector, and then verify that the monitor’s power
cable (if it has one) is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet. Make sure the
monitor is turned on.