Lesson Two: Troubleshoot Display Devices Flashcards
What are four steps to try if you can’t see an image?
Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on (not in standby).
Check the connection between the monitor and the device – no crimping, no loose ports, etc.
If the monitor supports more than one connection type, make sure the correct one is selected using OSD (on-screen display) controls.
Try the monitor on another PC.
What are two things you can try if the image is dim?
Check brightness and contrast controls.
Check features like adaptive brightness, auto-brightness, or eye-saving.
What are five steps you can try if the image quality is poor?
Check video cable and connector.
If video playback doesn’t work, lower or disable hardware accelerations (slider in Troubleshoot tab).
Increasing DPI can make text larger but might cause graphics to have rendering issues with older software.
For TFTs, make sure the panel is intact.
For projectors, make sure the lens is lined up properly (either manually or via OSD menu).
What are three things you can try if images/icons are oversized?
Check resolution/VGA mode.
Check DPI scaling.
Make sure there isn’t a zoom tool being used (Accessibility features in Windows).
What should you check for color issues?
Check color calibration/color management.
What are two things you can do for dead pixels?
If caused by a defect, and the monitor is no longer under warranty to be replaced, you can try software utilities to cycle the pixel through extreme states to try and reactivate it.
Fixed pixels can also sometimes be reactivated by gently tapping/pressing on the area of the screen with a stylus/pencil eraser. Risk of causing further damage.
What are four things you can try for artifacts on the screen?
If the image is static and completely out of context with surroundings, then there is probably a faulty adapter.
Some TFTs might get image persistence, where crystals become less responsive after being stuck in the same state for too long. Can usually be resolved by shutting down the display for a few hours.
For 3D graphics with motion trails/slowdown, make sure the card is capable of playing the game and has been properly updated. If there are still frame rate issues, disable video effects or use a lower resolution.
Make sure the graphics card is using the latest driver and version of DirectX.
What are two things you can try for an unexpected shutdown?
A faulty display adapter or driver are common STOP error causes. If it only happens under specific circumstances, it could be a compatibility issue between a specific driver and program.
In the issue is more random, then it is probably a fault in the adapter itself. Make sure the system is adequately cooled.
What should you do when you encounter an HDCP/unauthorized content error?
DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt all support the DRM (Digital Rights Management) mechanism called HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). This allows a content source (DVD, Blu-ray, etc.) to automatically be disabled if it fails to authenticate itself (aka it was pirated). Sometimes older compatibilities can falsely trigger this protection.
