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Solving Problems: Dell M783c Color Monitor User's Guide

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Solving Problems

Dell M783c Color Monitor User's Guide

Troubleshooting_Your_Monitor

General Problems

Product Specific Problems

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions.

Troubleshooting Your Monitor

Self-Test Feature Check (STFC)

Your monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor.

2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer.

3. Turn on the monitor.
If the monitor is functioning properly, you will see a box as shown in the following illustration: While in the Self-Test mode, the LED remains green and the STFC pattern scrolls through the screen.

This box also appears during normal system operation if the video cable becomes disconnected.

4. Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both your computer and the monitor.

5. If your monitor screen still remains Blank after you use the previous procedure, check your video controller and computer system; your monitor is functioning properly.

OSD Warning Messages

If there is something wrong with the input signal, a message appears on the screen or the screen goes blank although the power indicator LED is still on. The message may indicate that the monitor is out of scan rang or that you need to check the signal cable. This message will scroll through the screen.

General Problems

The following table contains general information about common monitor problems you might encounter.

COMMON SYMPTOMS	WHAT YOU SEE	POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
No Video/LED off	No picture, monitor’s dead.	Check connection integrity. Electric outlet verification. Ensure power button depressed fully.
No Video/LED on	No picture or no brightness.	Increase brightness & contrast controls. Perform monitor self test feature check. Check for bent or broken pins.
Poor Focus	Picture is fuzzy, blurry or ghosting.	Eliminate video extension cables. Perform monitor reset. Decrease brightness & contrast controls. Lower video resolution or increase font size.
Shaky/Jittery Video	Wavy picture or fine movement.	Perform monitor reset. Check environmental factor. Relocate and test in other room.
Color Purity Problems	Color is not uniform. Has color blotches or shades.	Active the Degauss feature using the OSD degauss menu or power cycle. Check environmental factors esp. woofers.
Color Convergence Problems	Characters show red or blue at edges.	Perform monitor reset.
Missing Color or Color Flood	Entire screen is purple or yellow. Entire screen is red, green or blue.	Perform monitor reset. Perform monitor self test feature check. Check for bent or broken pins. Reseat the video card.
Missing Pixels	CRT screen has spots, specs or blemishes on the glass.	If the blemish is on the outside of the glass, try cleaning the CRT screen.
Brightness Problems	Picture too dim or too bright.	Perform monitor reset. Adjust brightness & contrast controls.
Geometric Distortion	Screen not sized or centered correctly.	Perform monitor reset. Ensure monitor is in proper video mode. Adjust the appropriate geometric control.
Moire (Thin Curvy Lines)	Screen has wavy or elliptical lines.	Ensure monitor is in proper video mode. Adjust moire cancellation control settings.
Horizontal/Vertical Lines	Screen has one or more lines.	Perform monitor self test feature check. Check for bent or broken pins.
Sync Problems	Screen is scrambled or appears torn.	Perform monitor self test feature check. Check for bent or broken pins. Boot up in the "safe mode".
Audible Noise Problems	Has humming sound or high frequency squeal.	Ensure monitor is in proper video mode. Reposition the monitor. Loud hum when turning on is normal.
CRT Scratched	Screen has scratches or smudges.	Turn monitor off and clean the screen.
Safety Related Issues	Visible signs of smoke or sparks.	Do not perform any troubleshooting steps. Monitor needs to be replaced.
Intermittent Problems	Monitor malfunctions on & off.	Ensure monitor is in proper video mode. Perform monitor reset. Perform monitor self test feature check.

Product Specific Problems

SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS	WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE	POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Screen image is too small	Image is centered on screen, but does not fill entire viewing area	Perform monitor reset on "All Settings"
Cannot adjust the monitor with the buttons on the front panel	OSD does not appear on the screen	Turn off the monitor, unplug the power cord and then plug back and turn on the monitor

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