Dell Latitude D631 (Early 2009) - Manual (Page 99)

Troubleshooting 99
Video and Display Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 143) as you complete these
checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
If the display is blank
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is
recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A TT E R Y — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
T E ST T H E E L E CT R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E AC A D A P T E R — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,
ensure that the light is on.
C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E CT L Y T O A N E L E C T RI C A L O U T L E T — Bypass power protection devices, power
strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
A D J U ST TH E PO WE R P RO P E R T I E S — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support
Center (click Start→ Help and Support).
S W I T C H T H E V I D E O I M A G E — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to
switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
A D J U ST TH E B R I G H T N E S S — Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key
M OVE T H E E X TE R N A L SU B WO O FE R AWA Y F RO M T H E C O M PU T E R O R M O N I TO R — If your external speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer
or external monitor.
E L I M I N A TE PO S S I B L E I N T E RF ER E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other
appliances.
R O T A T E TH E C O M PU T E R T O F A C E A D I F F E R E N T D I R E C T I O N — Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor
picture quality.
A D J U ST TH E W INDO WS D I S P L A Y S E T T I N G S —
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.