performing each step.

To begin video troubleshooting select from the following issues:

1. Verify the ThinkPad system is powered on.
   If the ThinkPad system power status indicator is not illuminated then see Troubleshooting Power issues.



2. Ensure the system is not in suspend mode by pressing and holding the Fn key for 10 seconds.



3. Toggle between the internal LCD display and an external CRT display by pressing the Fn and F7 keys simultaneously on the ThinkPad keyboard.
   Notes:






• The Presentation Director menu window may interfere with the functionality of the Fn and F7 keystroke.



• There are generally three display mode settings to toggle through (LCD CRT and both).



• Some ThinkPad models only support two display modes. CRT only or LCD only.



4. Disconnect any external displays.



5. Power down the system.
   If the system is attached to a docking station or port replicator then remove the ThinkPad system.



6. Verify that the display works on startup for ThinkPad A G R T X and Z series systems.
   Power on the computer and then the "Press F1 for BIOS Setup Utility" "To interrupt normal startup press the blue Access IBM button" or "To interrupt normal startup press the blue ThinkVantage button" message is displayed at the lower left area of the screen.



7. Contact your local Support Center if there is still no video display on the ThinkPad LCD. Your ThinkPad may need service.



8. If these steps have not solved your problem:

9. Or refer to "Need more help?"

Note: Some ThinkPad LCDs will automatically dim when AC Power is unplugged. This is to save battery power and is normal.

1. Verify that the display panel is cleaned to prevent distortions.



2. Verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
   If the display works in the BIOS Setup Utility then verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
    
   Click here to view the latest BIOS files for all ThinkPad systems.



3. Verify that the latest video driver for the operating system and ThinkPad system has been installed properly according to the install instructions and readme from the software and device driver files for your ThinkPad system. (Click here to learn what a device driver is.)

4.  



5. Disable screen expansion in the ThinkPad Configuration Utility.
   Some ThinkPad systems allow the video to be expanded to fill the display but this may cause the text to be distorted.



6. Check display settings for resolution (screen area) and color depth.
   The wrong settings may cause the ThinkPad LCD panel to appear to have a black border when a resolution is used that is smaller than the actual LCD screen size.

a.     

For Microsoft Windows 2000 click Start select Settings and then click Control Panel. Double-click Display.
For Microsoft Windows XP click Start and then click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes and then click Display.

2. Click the Settings tab.



3. In the Screen Area box increment the slider one position at a time to increase the size and click Apply until the screen is filled.
   Note: The most typical screen area size for ThinkPad systems is 1024x768.



4. Click the Advanced button to verify the advanced display settings for Monitor Refresh rate (frequency) and Hardware acceleration.
   Note: The most typical advanced settings for ThinkPad systems are Laptop display panel 1024x768 for monitor 60 Hertz for Refresh rate and Full for Hardware acceleration.



6. Check the brightness setting.
   A lowered brightness setting may cause the display to appear dim.
   Press and hold the Fn key and then press the Home key to increase the LCD brightness setting.



7. A small number of missing discolored or lit all the time dots or pixels is characteristic of thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) technology due to manufacturing process for such technology irrespective of manufacturer. If your LCD has defective pixels it should not be considered faulty until the number of defective pixels meets or exceeds the number listed in the Pixel policy criteria.



8. If these steps have not solved your problem:

10. Or refer to "Need more help?"

1. See the External monitor (Flat-Panel and CRT) troubleshooting solutions guide for more information.
   Note: Using a resolution lower than the native resolution on flat panel monitors will cause distortion loss of detail and general blurriness.



2. See the Enabling TV-Out guide for using a TV or projector with the S-Video connection if available.



3. Connect a known good external monitor and press the Fn and F7 keys simultaneously to change the display mode.
   Notes:






• The Presentation Director menu window may interfere with the functionality of the Fn and F7 keystroke.



• There are generally three display mode settings to toggle through (LCD CRT and both).



• Some ThinkPad models only support two display modes. CRT only or LCD only.
  
  



4. Verify the cabling and connections between the external CRT monitor and the ThinkPad system external monitor port.
   



5. Remove any signal cable extensions and switch boxes.
   Note: Signal cable extensions and switch boxes are not supported.



6. Ensure the external display is setup and configured according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.



7. Verify the external display passes any applicable self tests according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.



8. Verify the display settings are supported by the ThinkPad video chipset and the external display.
   Note: See the Unsatisfactory video section for more information.



9. Verify the external display works on another system if available.



10. If these steps have not solved your problem:

11. Or refer to "Need more help?"