XPS M170 won't boot up with ac adapter

Question

I have a XPS M170 that won't boot up if the ac adapter is connected.  And when I plug the adapter back in, I get a QuickSet window  that says 'This adapter may not provide sufficient power to operate the system.  Your system performance will be impacted.  Please connect a Dell 130W AC adapter or higher for best system operation.'  I have tried 2 different Dell 130W adapters and get the same results. Any suggestions? Should I try a Dell 150W adapter?

withsilverwings · Answer

strangely enough when i unplugged every cord in the charging circuit and plugged it back into to a different spot on the power bar - everything works. Weird

withsilverwings · Answer

I have the same problem - just came up today

Granpawl · Answer

Unfortunately, unpluging and plugging into a different plug didn’t work for me.  I also replaced the ac plug on the back of the motherboard and I still get the same message.

Thunderfists · Answer

you're not alone guys, i've got the same problem at the moment.

Granpawl · Answer

I just wanted to give anyone that has the same problem an update. I purchased a PA-15 150 watt adapter and I'm back up and running. It boots up and also charges the battery.

Update

Worked for 2 days and now it's back to not booting with the adapter and won't charge. Dell has got us.

Message Edited by Granpawl on 05-12-2007 09:57 AM

nurse4kitties · Answer

I am pretty certain I can tell you what the problem is, and I am sorry to say it is NOT good.   The motherboard.   Specifically, the DC power jack on the motherboard.  My computer had the same problems, and additionally, there was a problem with the screen dimming from time to time (at first) and I had to adjust the AC cord at the jack.  After awhile, that didn't even work.    I googled the problem and saw the power jack issue mentioned, and it seems to be a big problem with the XPS M170 (what I have anyway).   I ordered a new jack, tore my laptop apart, had a HORRIBLE time removing the old power jack, and replaced it.    Well, I don't have the loose cord problem, but my battery won't charge, and I have to power the computer up on battery....and I am down to 7% battery life remaining.   This laptop was one week out of warranty when this started.  So I was out of luck.   It looks like the only solution now is to buy another motherboard--the lowest price I've found is 260 dollars and goes all the way up to nearly 500 dollars.    I am really angry with Dell about this.  I've been a long-time customer; the only computers I've ever owned have been Dell.  As far as I am concerned, Dell should ship new motherboards out to all customers having this problem if their systems are less than two years old.  This will never happen, of course, but it would be the right thing to do.   Only other option I can think of at this time is to try to find a standalone charger for the battery...I get the AC power source not recognized error at bootup as well.   GRRR!   Good luck to all of you.

QueensFinest126 · Answer

i am currently having the same exact problem with my xps.....upon boot-up i get the BIOs message saying my ac power cannot be determined...this has been happening for about a month now which i didnt really care about because it would boot up fine on the battery, except the battery wasnt charging and now my battery is dead , and im at a dead end....im really frustrated because ive tried using my friends battery who also has an xps with no results......and so i tried using his power supply- still the same result (thank god i didnt pay for these items in an attempt to fix my problem).......i need some seroius help here!!!!

nurse4kitties · Answer

Well, here is my workaround. It is FAR from ideal, but at least it is working for me.
I bought a standalone battery charger specifically for the xpsm170 battery on Ebay (price: $77.00). So, at least my battery can be charged now.
At bootup time, I simply keep the laptop unplugged until it's past the bios screen and in Windows startup. Then I plug the power back in and everything runs fine.
As I mentioned previously, this is far from idea. "Ideal" would be to have a motherboard with a DC jack that hadn't flown south. I'm serious when I say these motherboards should be recalled and replaced. It is reproachable to spend the kind of money I spent for my laptop (between 2K and 3K) only to have it not power on. A laptop with no power is worth zero dollars.
DELL, are you listening???

Granpawl · Answer

I just wanted to let you guys know that just after I posted earlier, that my purchase of a PA-15 150 watt adapter quit working after clear sailing for two days, is back up and working.  It's started charging and booting up with it connected, just after I made the post about it not working anymore.  I didn't want to make another post saying its working again so soon.  It's worked now for about 10 days without a hiccup.  I will keep you updated.

profbink · Answer

The 'won't charge' problem is the achille's heel of the M170. Here's the problem: The power adapter has a long plug that plugs straight into the back. When it gets bumped, the little pin inside the plug bends the little springs inside the computer, specifically in the power jack. When those springs bend, the pin no longer makes contact. The power jack is a little box soldered to the motherboard. If you get it repaired, the technician will remove the motherboard, desolder the old power jack, solder on a new one, and reassemble your laptop. Then charge you hundreds of dollars. I ordered a power jack on ebay for $2, then followed the XPS manual on the dell site to take apart the machine and remove the motherboard. You can google tutorials on desoldering and soldering, like I did, and presto! Your XPS will run like new until you bump the adapter plug again. Two problems with the adapter plug design: 1) The adapter plug is long and straight, so when it gets bumped, it generates a lot of leverage on the power jack; newer adapter plugs are L-shaped so they don't generate much leverage. 2) The little pin inside the plug is tiny and thin; it's a miracle it ever comes into contact with the jack in the first place. My daughter tripped on the adapter a week ago, so I'm dealing with a finicky plug again. It's just a matter of time before it stops charging altogether. I wonder if I soldered a little bead onto the pin, if it would make good contact again. I have half a mind to make my own power jack, or more likely make a better tip for the adapter plug. Hope this helps!

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XPS M170 won't boot up with ac adapter

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