10/29/2014 Resolving Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry Issues | Dell US

Resolving Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry

Issues
Table of Contents
Resolving Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry Issues
Keyboard Shortcuts
Downloading and Viewing Manuals
Video (English Only) - My Laptop Display Won't Turn On

This article has instructions to troubleshoot Laptop LCD Lines, Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry problems.

Resolving Laptop LCD Lines,Fuzzy, Color, or Blurry Issues

1. Verify that the BIOS and Video drivers are the latest available from Support.Dell.Com Website
(http://support.dell.com/), for more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, "How to
Use the Drivers and Downloads Website" (http://kb.dell.com/infocenter/index?
page=content&id=SLN128938#When-to-Update-a-Driver?)
Test the LCD in the System Setup (BIOS).
At the first text on the screen or when the Dell logo appears, tap until the message Entering

Setup appears.

Some older Dell computers use an alternate key sequence instead of to enter System
Setup.
These key sequences include:
++

+ (laptop computers only)

+ (laptop computers only)

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If you observe the same issue on the setup screen, it is not an issue with the Operating System, it
is a hardware issue,Contact Technical Support .

2. Run the Laptop Built-In Self-Test (BIST).

To run the Built-In Self-Test perform the following:
1. Turn the computer off.
2. Press and hold the D key while pressing the power button. This will start the BIST.
3. The screen will display multiple flashing colors. Look for lines, distortion, or any other
video issues you have observed.
4. The laptop will restart when the test is finished.
If the LCD BIST passes, proceed to Step 4, otherwise Contact Technical Support
(http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/contact_technical_support?).
For information on Beep Codes/Error Codes refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, Pre-Boot System
Assessment (PSA) Diagnostics and Error Codes For Dell Computers
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/SLN115162).

3. Connect to an external monitor (if available), for the different types of external monitor ports
that may be available on your computer refer to (Figure 1).

Display Port is a new digital standard for connecting monitors to

computers and has the capability to provide a scalable digital
display interface with optional audio and high-definition content
Display
protection (HDCP) capability. Display Ports usually resemble USB
Port
Ports with one side angled.
A Display Port cable should be used if Display Port connectors are
available on both the computer and the monitor.

Digital Video Interface (DVI) is the digital standard for connecting

monitors to computers. DVI connections are usually color-coded
with white plastic and labels.
DVI
DVI cables provide a higher quality signal than VGA cables. A DVI
cable should be used if DVI connectors are available on both the
computer and the monitor.

Video Graphics Array (VGA) is the analog standard for connecting

monitors to computers. VGA connections are commonly color-
VGA coded with blue plastic and labels.
A VGA cable should be used if DVI connectors are not available on
either the monitor or the computer.

Figure 1: Optional External Monitor Ports

4. Once it's connected, press and hold down the FN and press F8, this should display the screen on
the external monitor.

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5. When the external monitor does not work or you did not have one to test with, Contact Technical
Support
(http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/contact_technical_support?).

6. When the external monitor does work it may be an issue with the Operating System. Verify that
all the drivers are the latest available from Support.Dell.Com Website (http://support.dell.com/),
for more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, "How to Use the Drivers and Downloads
Website" (http://www.dell.com/support/article/SLN128938#Issue4). When that does not fix the
issue the Operating System may need to be reinstalled, for more information refer to Dell
Knowledge Base article, "How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer"
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/SLN130027).

7. Check for visible damage to the LCD. To identify any damage not visible to the naked eye, ensure
you run LCD BIST on the system (refer to Step 3).

If the LCD has damages which is not covered by any applicable statutory warranty, limited
hardware warranty and/or Dell-branded service, including Complete Care / Accidental Damage
service, there may be a cost incurred by you for the replacement of parts.

For more information on Out-Of-Warranty Repairs visit the Expired Warranty Services
(http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/expired_warranty?
cs=19&s=dhs) web site.

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Keyboard Shortcuts
For information on using keyboard shortcuts when you can't see where the cursor is, refer to Microsoft
Knowledge Base article Keyboard shortcuts for Windows (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449).

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Downloading and Viewing Manuals

This link takes you to the Dell Product Support Page to choose your product to view or download the
manual for your product.

Product Support Page (http://support.dell.com)

1. When your Dell product is not the product showing, click Change Your Product, otherwise go to
Step 7.
(the model number of your product is shown on the front of the product)
2. Click Select Model
3. Click products under Select Your Product Family.
4. Click product under Select Your Product Line.
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5. Select your product model (the model number of your product is shown on the front of the
product)
6. Click Confirm.
7. Click Manuals & Documentation.

Depending on the product model you may View or Download the manual or both.

For viewing the product Manual click View.

Downloading the product Manual:
1. Click Download.
2. Click Save.
3. Note the location the manual will be downloaded to as listed in the upper portion of

the Save As window.

The location may be changed using the dropdown menu on the right-hand side of
the download location, for more locations in Windows Vista and Windows 7 click
Browse Folders.

4. Click Save.
5. After the file has finished downloading, click Open Folder and uncompress the .zip file.
For instructions on how to uncompress .zip files, Win 8
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/LNK11953/en), Win 7
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/LNK12545/en), Win Vista
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/LNK12590/en) or Win XP
(http://www.dell.com/support/article/LNK12588/en)
6. After uncompressing the .zip file, look at the extracted files(s):
7. When there are multiple files, double-click the one labeled index.htm.
8. When there is a single file:
1. Right-click the file.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Click Unblock in the lower-right corner
5. Click Apply.
6. Click OK.
7. Double-click the file to view the manual.

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Article ID: SLN127964

Last Date Modified: 09/23/2014 03:49 AM

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