Is your computer powered on, but just showing a black screen? You may be experiencing a No Video issue. Common causes include a bad connection between the display screen and the system, the external screen is turned off or has no power, or the hardware is defective.
In this video, we will go over some tips to help you solve this issue. Starting with laptops, first check if the AC adapter is connected properly to both the device and the power source. Check if the power LED is on and look for any physical damage on the cable.
Next, turn the system on and check for any beep codes or LED code indicators. If you hear a beep code, see a certain LED code, the Power button is blinking, or for some models, if the "Scroll Lock", "Caps Lock", and "Num Lock" buttons all blink, then you may have a hardware failure, and please contact Dell Tech Support to understand that beep code.
Now, let’s confirm if there is a hardware issue with the LCD panel by running a test called the LCD Built-In Self Test. Shut down the computer.
Press and hold the "D" key while turning on the system. After a few seconds, a colored screen will appear and will interchange between different solid colors, allowing you to determine if there is any distortion or physical defect in the panel.
To discard a hardware problem with your graphics card, let’s run a Pre-boot diagnostic or ePSA. Before you begin the ePSA diagnostic, make sure the power adapter is plugged into the system and keep it plugged in throughout the entire process.
Turn on or restart your system. When the Dell logo appears, repeatedly tap the "F12" key to enter the "One-Time Boot" menu. Click on "Diagnostics", then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the diagnostics. Note, that you should not run the extended stress/memory test.
If a hardware error is detected, you will get an error code and a validation number. Make note of both of those numbers and provide them to Dell Tech Support.
If the previous steps didn’t help, try connecting an external monitor to your laptop to check if the external screen does show video or not. If the external monitor does show video, this means your laptop screen needs to be replaced, and you should contact our Tech Support for assistance.
Now let’s take a look at some steps for desktops. First, turn on your system and check if the monitor’s power LED light is on. Check if the cables are connected properly and check all cables for mechanical damage. If possible, try using another video cable.
Check if the correct video source is selected on the monitor. Run the monitor’s "Built-In Diagnostic". Do this by disconnecting all the cables except the power cable and have your monitor turned on.
You’ll get a moving "self-test" box displayed on the screen, and if you see the same issue through the self-test box, then contact our Tech Support.
Thanks for watching.