How to Set Up a Dell Monitor
- 1). Remove the Dell monitor and all accessories (cables, etc.) from its box and remove any packaging materials. New monitors are typically shipped with a protective piece of foam or plastic film over the monitor's display, so be sure it's removed before setting the monitor in place.
- 2). Spread out all of the cords, cables and other material that came with the monitor, and check against the materials list to be sure nothing's missing. In addition to a power cable, newer style monitors will include not only a standard monitor cable but a DVI cable as well (older computers may require the 15-pin VGA cable). The DVI cable will be used to carry higher quality digital signals, giving you a superior picture, compared to the standard analog cable. Even sharper images can be obtained with an HDMI cable, if your computer accepts one.
- 3). Lay the Dell monitor flat on the table. This will make it easier to connect both the standard analog cable and the DVI cable. Also shut down your computer, turn off the power and disconnect the old monitor.
- 4). Connect the cables to the Dell monitor. When connecting, make sure the cables are seated properly before starting to tighten them. The cables are designed to go on with thumbscrews. Don't over-tighten them, but also be sure the cables are not loose--if the cables are loose, the display quality may be poor, or the monitor may not come on at all.
- 5). Connect the other end of both the analog and the DVI cables from the Dell computer to the relevant ports on the back of your PC. Older style PCs may not have a DVI connector, but most newer style computers will. Also, some Dell monitors are shipped with adapters that will permit using a DVI cable into a VGA port.
- 6). Connect the power cord to the Dell monitor, then turn on your computer and power on the monitor. On most Dell monitors, the power button will be at the lower right corner of the screen. Once the monitor is on and your PC is powered up, you should see your desktop display.
- 7). Log on to your PC and allow your operating system to choose the optimum display resolution for your new Dell monitor. You may see your display click off for a few seconds while the display resolution is changed. If you do not like the new resolution, right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties" from the menu. Click on the "Settings" tab and locate the slider in the middle of the screen. Move the slider left or right to change the display to your liking.
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