Dell OptiPlex GX270 - Manual (Page 169)

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
Check the power supply cable connections —
1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer
cover.
2. Ensure that the power cables from the power supply are firmly connected to the connectors on the system board.
3. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Perform all checks in " Card Problems "
Perform all checks in " Keyboard Problems "
Reinstall the battery —
1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer
cover.
2. Remove the battery, wait 5 minutes, and then reinstall the battery.
3. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
If the problem still exists, contact Dell .
Replace the Memory Modules —
1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then open the computer
cover.
2. Replace the memory module(s) (see " Memory ").
3. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
4. If the RAM count displayed does not correctly match the actual amount of memory installed in the computer, contact Dell .
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 —
1. Check the connector for bent or broken pins. (It is normal for monitor cable connectors to have missing pins.)
2. Ensure that the video cable is attached to the blue connector on the back panel.
NOTE: If you have a video card installed, connector the monitor to the connector on the card.
Check the video input switch — Certain digital flat-panel monitors have a switch to select the proper video input.
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 card setting — Enter system setup and ensure that Primary Video Controller under the Integrated Devices option is set
correctly. For an AGP card, set Primary Video Controller to AGP. For a PCI card, set Primary Video Controller to Auto. Exit system setup
and reboot the computer.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — If any tests fail, contact Dell .
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 and click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Click Display and click the Settings tab.
4. Try different settings for Screen resolution and Color quality.