Dell Inspiron 3700 Reference And Troubleshooting Manual page 51

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Be sure the following items are properly connected or installed:
AC adapter and AC power cable
Second battery or any other optional device installed in the media bay
Cables that connect external devices through the input/output (I/O) connectors
and ports on the computer.
A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic
influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or
signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached
devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors. The
following items can adversely affect the performance of a computer:
Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such as
a desk enclosure
Direct sunlight causing the computer to overheat
Line noise or power drops and surges from electrical outlets due to poor wiring
Line noises or surges through telephone lines
High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close
proximity to the computer
Speakers, especially subwoofer, or telephone too close to the monitor,
generating magnetic fields that distort the display image
Fluorescent lights causing display flickering or distortion
Electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables
Too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips from one electrical
outlet
Electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side of the wall
Large metal beams inside the wall behind the computer
If removing potential sources of problems does not help, try moving the computer.
If you are experiencing problems with power to your computer, perform the following
tasks:
Check the computer's power indicator. When lit, the power indicator verifies that
the power supply is operating.
If your computer is connected to a power strip, turn the power strip off and then
on again.
Basic Troubleshooting 3-3