Video And Display Problems; If The Display Is Blank; If The Display Is Difficult To Read - Dell Inspiron 640M Owner's Manual

Video and Display Problems

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

If the display is blank

NOTE:
If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is
recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
E S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T
T
device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E A C A D A P T E R
ensure that the light is on.
C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T
strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I E S
Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.
S W I T C H T H E V I D E O I M A G E
switch the video image to the display.

If the display is difficult to read

D J U S T T H E B R I G H T N E S S
A
O V E T H E E X T E R N A L S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E C O M P U T E R O R M O N I T O R
M
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer
or external monitor.
L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E
E
appliances.
R O T A T E T H E C O M P U T E R T O F A C E A D I F F E R E N T D I R E C T I O N
picture quality.
A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S D I S P L A Y S E T T I N G S
1 Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes.
3 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
4 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
S E E "E R R O R M E S S A G E S
100
Troubleshooting
If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
—
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
—
Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,
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Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support
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If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to
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Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key
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Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other
—
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If an error message appears, see "Error Messages" on page 88.
" —
Bypass power protection devices, power
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If your external speaker
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Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor
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