Symptoms

This article provides the information and guidance for troubleshooting issues with the following Dell monitors: E1914H, E2014H, E2214Hv, E2214H, E2314H, E2414H, and E2414Hr. Table of Contents: Using the Monitor Self-TestUsing the Built-In DiagnosticsCommon Monitor IssuesProduct-Specific IssuesUSB ConnectivitySoundbar Issues 1. 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. The floating dialog box would appear on-screen if the monitor cannot sense a video signal but is working properly. NOTE: The images that are shown below are applicable for E1914H, E2014H, E2214Hv, E2214H, E2314H, E2414H, and E2414Hr Flat Panel Monitors. 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 your monitor and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both your computer and the monitor. If your monitor screen remains blank after you use the previous procedure, check the video controller and computer, because the monitor is functioning properly. NOTE: Self-test feature check is not available for S-Video, Composite, and Component video modes. Top of the Page 2. Using the Built-In Diagnostics The monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the problem you are having is 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: Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).Unplug the video cable 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. Top of the Page 3. Common Monitor Issues Common SymptomsWhat You ExperiencePossible SolutionsNo Video or Power LED OffNo Picture Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is properly connected.Make sure the power outlet is functioning properly.Make sure the power button has been pressed.Make sure the correct input source is selected by checking the Input Source Menu. No Video or Power LED OnNo 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.Make sure the correct input source is selected by checking the Input Source Menu. Poor FocusPicture 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.Change the video resolution to the correct aspect ratio (16:9). Shaky or Jittery VideoWavy picture or fine movement Perform Auto-Adjust using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Check environmental factors.Relocate the monitor and try it in another room. Missing PixelsLCD screen has spots Turn the monitor off and back on.A pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.For more information about Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go here. Stuck-on PixelsLCD screen has bright spots Turn the monitor off and back on.A pixel that is permanently stuck on is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.For more information about Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to here Brightness ProblemsPicture too dim or too bright Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.Adjust the brightness and contrast controls using the OSD. Geometric DistortionScreen is not centered correctly Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.Adjust the horizontal and vertical controls using the OSD. NOTE: When using DVI-D input, the positioning adjustments are not available. Horizontal or Vertical LinesScreen has one or more lines Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Use Auto-Adust in 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.Run the built-in diagnostics. NOTE: When using DVI-D input, the Pixel Clock and Phase adjustments are not available. Synchronization ProblemsScreen is scrambled or appears torn Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Use Auto-Adust in 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 IssuesVisible signs of smoke or sparks Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.Contact Dell Technical Support. Intermittent ProblemsMonitor 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 ColorThe 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 ColorPicture 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 ScreenFaint shadow from the static image is visible on the screen Use the Power Management settings to turn off the monitor always when not in use.Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver. Top of the Page 4. Product-Specific Issues Specific SymptomsWhat You ExperiencePossible SolutionsScreen Image Is Too SmallImage is centered on screen but does not fill the viewing area Check the Scaling Ration setting in the Image Setting On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. Cannot Adjust the Monitor with the Buttons on the Front PanelOSD menus do not appear on the screen Turn off the monitor, unplug the power cord, plug it back in, and then turn on the monitor.Check whether the OSD menu is locked. If it is, press and hold the button above the power button for 10 seconds to unlock it. No Input Signal when User Controls Are PressedNo picture, the LED is bright blue Check the signal source. Make sure the computer is not in the power-saving mode by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard.Check whether the video cable is plugged in properly. Replug the video cable if necessary.Reset the computer or video player. The Picture Does Not Fill the Entire ScreenThe picture does not fill the height or width of the screen If a DVD is being played, check the specifications as some DVDs will only play in full-screen mode.Run the built-in diagnostics. NOTE: When using DVI-D, the Auto-Adjust function will not be available. Top of the Page 5. USB Connectivity Specific SymptomsWhat You ExperiencePossible SolutionsUSB Interface Is Not WorkingUSB peripherals plugged into the monitor do not work Make sure the monitor is turned on.Reconnect the upstream cable between the monitor and the computer.Reconnect the downstream connectors between the monitor and the peripheral device being used.Turn the monitor off and back on.Restart the computer.Some USB devices like external portable hard drives require higher electrical current. Connect these devices directly to the computer. High-Speed USB 2.0 Interface Is SlowHigh-Speed USB 2.0 peripherals are working slowly or not at all Check that your computer supports USB 2.0 or higher.Verify that the computer port is a USB 2.0 port (or higher). (Some computers have both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports.)Reconnect the upstream cable between the monitor and the computer.Reconnect the downstream connectors between the monitor and the peripheral device being used.Restart the computer. Top of the Page 6. Soundbar Issues ProblemWhat User ExperiencePossible solutionNo sound for system where the Soundbar draws power from an AC adapterNo power to Soundbar - the power indicator is off Turn the Power or Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the middle position. Check if the power indicator (Blue LED) on the front of the Soundbar is illuminated.Confirm that the power cable from the Soundbar is plugged into the adapter. No SoundSoundbar has power - power indicator is on Plug the audio line-in cable into the computer's audio out jack.Set all Windows volume controls to their maximumPlay some audio content on the computer (i.e. audio CD, or MP3).Turn the Power or Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to a higher volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (i.e.portable CD player). Distorted SoundComputer's sound card is used as the audio source Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is inserted into the jack of the sound card.Set all Windows volume controls to their midpoints.Decrease the volume of the audio application.Turn the Power or Volume knob on the Soundbar counterclockwise to a lower volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (i.e. portable CD player, MP3 player). Other audio source is used Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is inserted into the jack of the audio source.Decrease the volume of the audio source.Turn the Power or Volume knob on the Soundbar counterclockwise to a lower volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug. Unbalanced Sound OutputSound from only one side of Soundbar Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is inserted into the jack of the sound card or audio source.Set all Windows audio balance controls (L-R) to their midpoints.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (i.e. portable CD player, MP3 player). Low VolumeVolume is too low Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Turn the Power or Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the maximum volume setting.Set all Windows volume controls to their maximum.Increase the volume of the audio application.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (i.e. portable CD player, MP3 player). Top of the Page If you have further questions about this article, contact Dell Technical Support.