How should a 1704FPt Digital Flat Panel Display be connected to the computer?

Question

I just purchased a new 8400 computer and selected a 1704FPt monitor to go with it. It arrived Wednesday evening. The "Setting Up Your Monitor" sheet that came with it says to connect the VGA cable OR the DVI cable, the USB cable, and the power cable. (The VGA cable was attached to the monitor upon arrival for whatever that information is worth.) Anyhow once I discovered I should remove the VGA cable and use the DVI cable instead it worked beautifully. All day yesterday and into the evening. I turned it off around 8 PM. This morning when I turned both my computer and monitor on only the computer worked. The monitor gave no indication it was "alive". I had an appointment elsewhere so it wasn't until late this afternoon before I was able to phone Dell Support. The very nice lady had me try several things and then became convinced the monitor needed to be replaced. I asked her about the cable setup. She said only the DVI cable and the power cable should be connected. I asked why the "setting up your monitor" sheet instructed me to connect the USB cable as well. She didn't know the answer to that one but said it should not be connected.

My question: Is she right? If so, what is that USB cable for? When the new monitor arrives I want to make sure I do it right. I feel sure someone out there knows the answer - I value your opinions. You have always come through for me since I first joined this forum more than 5 years ago.

Thanks,

Bessie

BrickYard · Answer

Only one of the two cables should be connected at one time.  If Your computer uses a video card that has a DVI port connect the DVI cable to it, leave the other cable off.  A DVI connection will give you the best monitor performance.

bessie · Answer

BrickYard,

Thanks for your reply but I guess I had already learned that part. What I really need to know is what to do with the USB cable. The setup instructions not only tells me to connect it as well but shows a picture of both cables connected. The lady from Dell said to leave it off but I had a feeling she was confused as well. That set-up diagram was designed for a reason. Why on earth would it say to connect that USB if, in fact, it was useless?

Thanks again for your reply.

Bessie

ballboy7 · Answer

The USB cable ahould also be connected along with the plug and your dvi/analog cables. The USB cable will allow trhe four USB ports on your monitor to work as they should.

bessie · Answer

ballboy7,

Thanks for the info. I knew that cord was there for a reason. I may never use those ports on the monitor but at least it all makes sense now. The lady from Dell Support needs to brush up on this issue as well.

Again, Thanks.

Bessie

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How should a 1704FPt Digital Flat Panel Display be connected to the computer?

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