User Guide

Troubleshooting: Dell E550 Color Monitor User's Guide

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Troubleshooting: Dell™ E550 Color Monitor User's Guide

Monitor Specific Troubleshooting • Common Problems

Monitor Specific Troubleshooting

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:

Turn off both your computer and the monitor.
Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer.
Turn on the monitor.
If the monitor is functioning properly, you will see a full white flickering screen.

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

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

NOTE: For STFC to work correctly, the above procedure must be followed closely. If the video cable is removed while the monitor is powered on, it will go into one of the power save modes (standby). This will result in a no video/LED on condition.

Degauss Feature

Your monitor has an automatic degauss feature that is activated each time the monitor is turned on. To perform an additional degauss, turn the monitor off and wait 30 minutes before turning on again.

Common 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 factors Relocate and test in other room
Color Purity Problems	Color is not uniform Has color blotches or shades	Restart the monitor Perform monitor reset 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, shaped or centered correctly	Perform monitor reset Ensure monitor is in proper video mode Adjust the appropriate geometric control
Moiré (Thin Curvy Lines)	Screen has wavy or elliptical lines Screen has wood grain patterns	Ensure monitor is in proper video mode Change Horizontal and Vertical dimentions Change the selected desktop or wallpaper pattern
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

If your problems remain after checking symptoms above, please consult Dell technical support.

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