Using the Monitor Self-Test
The 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 the computer and the monitor.
- Unplug the video cable from the back of the monitor. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove all digital (white DVI connector) and analog (blue VGA connector) cables from the back of the computer.
- Turn on the monitor.
Note: The floating dialog box should appear on-screen (against a black background) if the flat panel display cannot sense a video signal and is working correctly. While in self-test mode, the power LED remains blue. Also, depending upon the selected input, one of the dialogs shown below will continuously scroll through the screen.
- This box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged. The monitor will enter Power Save Mode after 5 minutes if left at this state.
- Turn off the flat panel display and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both the computer and the flat panel display.
If the flat panel display screen remains blank, or goes to sleep after using the previous procedure, check the video controller and computer, because the flat panel display is functioning properly.
Note: Self-test feature check is not available for S-Video, Composite and Component video modes.
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Using the Built-In Diagnostics
The monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if a problem you are having with the display is a problem with the monitor, your computer, or your video card.
Note: You can only run the built-in diagnostics when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in self-test mode.
To run the built-in diagnostics:
Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with the monitor, or with the computer and video card. To run the built-in diagnostics:
- Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
- Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or monitor. The monitor then goes into the self-test mode.
- Press and hold Button 1 and Button 4 simultaneously for 2 seconds. A gray screen should appear.
- Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
- Press Button 4 on the front panel again. The color of the screen should change to red.
- Inspect the screen for abnormalities.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white, and text screens.
- The test is complete when the white screen appears. To exit, press the Button 4 again. If you do not detect any screen abnormalities upon using the built-in diagnostic tool, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card and computer.
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Common Monitor Issues
Common Symptoms |
What You Experience |
Possible Solutions |
No Video/Power LED Off |
No Picture |
- Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly
connected and secure.
- Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment..
- Ensure that the power button is depressed fully.
- Ensure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button.
|
No Video/Power LED On |
No picture or no brightness |
- Increase the brightness and contrast using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.
- Perform the monitor self-test check.
- Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
- Run the built-in diagnostics.
- Ensure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button.
|
Poor Focus |
Picture is fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting |
- Perform Auto-Adjust using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.
- Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.
- Avoid using any video extension cables.
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings using the OSD.
|
Shaky/Jittery Video |
Wavy picture or fine movement |
- Check for loose connection. Unplug & reconnect if required.
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
- Check environmental factors.
- Relocate the monitor and try it in another room.
|
Missing Pixels |
LCD screen has spots |
- Turn the monitor off and back on.
- Be aware that a pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.
- For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article .
|
Stuck-on Pixels |
LCD screen has bright spots |
- Turn the monitor off and back on.
- Be aware that a pixel that is permanently stuck on is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.
- For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article .
|
Brightness Problems |
Picture too dim or too bright |
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast controls using the OSD.
|
Geometric Distortion |
Screen is not centered correctly |
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
|
Horizontal/Vertical Lines |
Screen has one or more lines |
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
- Check for loose connection. Unplug & reconnect if required.
- Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
- Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
- Run the built-in diagnostics.
|
Synchronization Problems |
Screen is scrambled or appears torn |
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
- Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.
- Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.
- Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
- Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
- Restart the computer in safe mode.
|
Safety Related Issues |
Visible signs of smoke or sparks |
|
Intermittent Problems |
Monitor malfunctions on and off |
- Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.
- Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
- Perform the monitor self-test feature to determine if the intermittent problems occur in self-test mode.
|
Missing Color |
The picture is missing a color |
- Perform the self-test feature check.
- Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.
- Check for bent or broken pins on the video connector.
|
Wrong Color |
Picture has incorrect colors |
- Change the Color Setting Mode in the Color Settings of the OSD to Graphics or Video depending on the application.
- Try different Color Preset Settings in the Color Settings OSD. Adjust the R/G/B values in Color Settings OSD if Color Management is turned off.
- Change the Input Color Format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Advance Settings OSD.
- Run the built-in diagnostics.
|
Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the Screen |
Faint shadow from the static image is visible on the screen |
- Use the Power Management settings to turn off the monitor at all times when not in use.
- Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.
|
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