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Monitor and video problems

Use this information to solve monitor and video problems.

Some monitors have their own self-tests. If you suspect a problem with your monitor, see the documentation that comes with the monitor for instructions for testing and adjusting the monitor. If you cannot diagnose the problem, call for service.

Table 1. Symptoms and user actions for monitor and video problems.

Table with one spanned column at the top and two other columns with headers that provides information about symptoms and user actions to solve monitor and video problems

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 Type 6241 to determine which components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained service technician only), that step must be performed only by a Trained service technician.
SymptomAction
Monitor or video not available or displays blank/distorted images.
  1. Make sure that the monitor cables are firmly connected.
  2. If the server is attached to a KVM switch, bypass the KVM switch to eliminate it as a possible cause of the problem; connect the monitor cable to the correct connector on the rear of the server. If the video now works, replace the KVM switch.
  3. Replace the standard I/O book.
The monitor works when you turn on the server, but the screen goes blank when you start some application programs.
  1. Make sure that:
    • The application program is not setting a display mode that is higher than the capability of the monitor.
    • You installed the necessary device drivers for the application.
    • The application requirements for the video are compatible with the video capabilities of the server.
Wrong characters appear on the screen.
  1. Verify that the language and locality settings are correct for the keyboard and operating system.
  2. If the wrong language is displayed, update the server firmware to the latest level (see Updating the firmware) with the correct language.
  3. Reseat the monitor cable.