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Laptop says "Plugged in but not charging"

CMAC

CMAC

New member
I have an older Dell laptop that i use for work and my batter won't charge. Yesterday when I plugged in the power cord it says "plugged in but not charging." I looked up a fix and found this:

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-19681_102-345945/plugged-in-not-charging/

THIS IS THE SOLUTION AND IT WILL TAKE 90 SECONDS TO FIX

Power management software in Windows Vista

"Understanding battery charging issues
If the notebook battery is not charging or the notebook does not indicate that the battery is charging, the most likely scenario is that the battery itself is operating correctly, but its power management software may have become corrupt. In order to correct the problem, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the power management software by using the Device Manager. This document will explain how to uninstall and reinstall the ACPI Battery listings in Windows Vista, as well as how to obtain and install updated BIOS files, if needed to correct other battery issues.
Uninstalling and reinstalling power management software in Windows Vista
In order to correct problems with the battery's power management software, follow the steps below.
1. Click Start and type device in the search field, then select Device Manager .
2. Expand the Batteries category.
3. Under the Batteries category, right-click the Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery listing, and select Uninstall .
WARNING: Do not remove the Microsoft AC Adapter driver or any other ACPI compliant driver.
4. On the Device Manager taskbar, click Scan for hardware changes .
Alternately, select Action > Scan for hardware changes .
Windows will scan your computer for hardware that doesn't have drivers installed, and will install the drivers needed to manage your battery's power. The notebook should now indicate that the battery is charging."

But, this didn't work....has anyone had this issue? Possibly the battery is just dead, but before I go that route I thought I might ask.


Any help would be much appreciated,

CMAC
​
 
Do you use your laptop on batteries often (a lot of people don't realize you don't really need the battery on laptops if it's plugged in). How much charge (in time) would your laptop hold before you started having this issue? Would it work on battery for an hour just fine or would it hardly make it ten minutes? (if on the short side your battery may be completely worn out). If you recently changed power adapters (since the last time you charged your battery) it may not have enough amperage to charge your battery, so you'd need another one if you want to charge it. If you haven't changed adapters recently, is the one you have the original one that came with the computer?
 
another thing to take into account (and first of all) is to make sure the battery is conected correctly, i know this sounds stupid BUT I worked as tech support for a little bit and you cant immagine how many times i got calls from ppl saying their stuff didn't work or turn on at all...
"-ok sir lets do this manual check, please check that the power cord is pluged in correctly into the outlet in the wall..
- Hey! i'm not stupid!!! I know how to plug my computer to the wall
- I apologize sir, that's not what i meant, we are trying to -insert random techy words bullshit here- to the power supply, so i need you to UNPLUG the cord from the wall, wait 5 seconds and then plug it back in securely, ok?
- ok!... let me do that 1 sec...... /random laugh/curse in the background.... /hangs up.
- /le sigh (me)" pretty much every call.

So... take it out... clean it if you must AND know how to... then put it back in making sure it is done correctly... then troubleshoot from there...
anyhow if the computer is REALLY old... yeah it could just mean the battery lifespan ended.

just my ¢2
 
I once had this problem on my work machine, but it was a derp issue. Fn +F2 or Fn =+F3 have battery icons on them on my machine and allow you to toggle battery charging on/off.


iHSDNl.jpg
 
I appreciate all the help.

I use the battery often and it will last between 45 minutes and an hour before needing to charge. And, its old so the battery has probably died.

I make sure the power cord is plugged in...I know what you mean about the simple things being the solution...unfortunately no dice.

And, I hoped the FN+F3 would work but not...

Thanks
 
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