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HELP! My Presentation Won’t Display Too often, we plug all of our computer presentation equipment in, fire up our presentation and … nothing happens. We can see our presentation on our computer, but nothing shows up on the screen. Before you get that panicked feeling, check these six most common problems with computer presentation displays. Problem #1 – Display toggle Every laptop computer has multiple display modes combining display on the laptop screen, out the external video port or out an external RCA TV jack. If the computer is not set in a mode that displays an image out of the external video port, then there will be no image on the screen. There is usually a key combination that will toggle between the different display modes. Look for a key (usually one of the function keys) that has a picture of a display or the letters VGA on it. You usually have to hold a special Function key (usually labeled Fn) and press this key to switch between the different modes. After you press the key combination, wait at least five to ten seconds for the new setting to take effect before you toggle to the next setting. Problem #2 – Cables Loose It is amazing how many display problems are caused by loose cables between the computer and data projector. Make sure all cables are securely connected to the appropriate port with the thumbscrews used to secure each end of the cable to the port on the equipment. Problem #3 – Projector Input Source On data projectors that are often used with TV and computer input sources, the input source selected on the data projector may still be in the TV mode and not in the computer mode. There is usually a button on the top of the projector which allows you to toggle between the different input sources. You may have to go into the data projector menu to change the input source on some older projectors. Problem #4 – Power Switched On Incredible as it seems, power being turned on is one of the common problems. This happens because when we turn on our laptop, if it is not plugged in, it will still run on battery. We don’t realize that the projector has not been plugged into the power outlet and when we turn it on, nothing happens. Check that the power cord is in the wall outlet if the data projector does not turn on. Problem #5 – Projector Standby Mode On If you plug your computer into a projector that someone else has just been using and your display does not come up, check if the projector’s standby mode is on. This standby mode keeps the projector fan running but does not light the bulb. It is usually used for cooling a projector after a presentation. Problem #6 – Projector Cover Loose When data projectors are moved or transported, the cover can sometimes come loose. When this happens, they will power up but not turn on the bulb for safety reasons. Turn off the projector and check to see that all covers are securely on. Never check for loose covers with the projector on, you will risk being electrocuted or burned by hot components inside the projector. Next time you have everything plugged in and nothing is displayed, check to see if one of these six problems is the cause. Did you find this article helpful? If so, click here to check out some great learning tools to help even more! ©
MMIII Dave Paradi Dave Paradi’s Think Outside the Slide™ approach helps presenters get results by showing them how to quickly create effective PowerPoint presentations. He is the co-author of “Guide to PowerPoint”, part of the Prentice Hall Series in Advanced Business Communication. He offers a free PowerPoint e-course, newsletter and articles on his web site at www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com. |