This video provides a step-by-step guide for troubleshooting no video issues on your Dell laptop or desktop. It covers checking connections, running hardware diagnostics, and using built-in self-tests to identify possible hardware failures. If the issue persists, it also gives advice on using an external monitor to determine whether the problem lies with your laptop screen. Contact Dell support for further assistance if needed.
Is your computer powered on but just showing a black screen? You may be experiencing a no video issue. Common causes include a bad connection between the display screen and the system, the external screen being turned off or having no power, or defective hardware. In this video, we will go over some tips to help you solve this issue.
For laptops, first check if the AC adapter is properly connected to both the device and the power source. Check if the power LED is on and look for any physical damage on the cable. Turn the system on and check for any beep codes or LED code indicators. If you hear a beep code, see a certain LED code, or if the power button is blinking, or for some models, if the scroll lock, caps lock, and num lock buttons all blink, you may have a hardware failure. Please contact Dell tech support to understand that beep code.
Next, let's confirm if there is a hardware issue with the LCD panel by running a test called the LCD Built-in self-test. Shut down the computer. Press and hold the D key while turning on the system. After a few seconds, a colored screen will appear and will interchange between different solid colors, allowing you to determine if there is any distortion or physical defect in the panel. To discard a hardware problem with your graphics card, run a pre-boot diagnostic or EPSA.
Before you begin the EPSA diagnostic, make sure the power adapter is plugged into the system and keep it plugged in throughout the entire process. Turn on or restart your system. When the Dell logo appears, repeatedly tap the F12 key to enter the one-time boot menu. Click on diagnostics, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostics. Note that you should not run the extended stress/memory test. If a hardware error is detected, you will get an error code and a validation number. Make note of both numbers and provide them to Dell tech support.
If the previous steps didn't help, try connecting an external monitor to your laptop to check if the external screen does show video or not. If the external monitor shows video, your laptop screen needs to be replaced, and you should contact our tech support for assistance.
For desktops, first, turn on your system and check if the monitor's power LED light is on. Check if the cables are connected properly and check all cables for mechanical damage. If possible, try using another video cable. Check if the correct video source is selected on the monitor. Run the monitor's built-in diagnostic. To do this, disconnect all the cables except the power cable, and have your monitor turned on. You will get a moving self-test box displayed on the screen. If you see the same issue through the self-test box, contact our tech support.
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