Ceck your power supply connector that plugs into the laptop. Look into the end and see if the center pin is bent. If it is, you probably have a damaged power supply which needs to be replaced.

See this message for more info:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_power&message.id=27309

Hi Pando

Thanks for your reply.  I read the link that you included in your message. My problem is a little different from that described in the link.

My AC adaptor does supply power to the computer, however, it does not charge the battery.  So my AC adaptor is still functioning partially.

I did check the AC adaptor connector and the center pin and also cleaned the surfaces inside and outside. (With the adaptor unplugged of course).  Everything look ok and the center pin was straight and not touching the side of the connector.

What is odd, the adaptor was  working just fine until I turned it on one morning and the problem started.  And, I had not unplugged the adaptor and plugged it back in prior to that, so that it could have been damaged??

So, assuming that the adaptor continues to work as a power source I should be ok until I get home from my trip and can spend more time figuring out whether the problem is with the adaptor or with the MOBO.

I am really disappointed that I cannot "rely" on my Dell I8600 to function reliably while I am traveling!!!!

Grant

The problem is your adapter recognition circuit has blown. Your computer won't recognise it as a 90w adapter even though it is putting out 90w. The processor will be stepped down to a slower speed and the battery recharge circuit will be closed off. Only solution is a new adapter. Dell is well aware of the problem with these PA10 adapters, but chooses to do nothing about it and why should they, a fortune is made from selling new adapters.

 

Message Edited by Granted on 07-18-2004 09:28 PM

 

Message Edited by Granted on 07-18-2004 09:29 PM

Hi Fat Cat

Thanks for the information. 
Are you saying that "my problem is with the AC Adaptor not with the MOBO"?
If so, I would consider that 'good news' in that it is much easier to replace my 90 watt AC adaptor than to replace my MOBO.

Also, I think that the power adaptor is covered under my Dell warranty for the first year??

Grant

If the system works with the AC adapter plugged in, but doesn't charge the battery then it is the adapter for sure. Check to see if speedstep has kicked in to slow the processor (right click on My Computer and select Properties). This is another indicator that the MOBO is fine. You should see a speed in  MHz that is approximately half that of your processor (ie: 1.2GHz instead of 2.4GHz). Lots of us have experienced exactly the same problem. I was fortunate enough to have 2 adapters (one at home and one at work). One of the adapters gave me the symptoms you described (not recognized), but if I unplugged it and plugged in the other one - no problems at all - therefore definitely not a MOBO problem.

Hi Fat Cat

I checked the speedstep settings and the CPU was running at 209hz instead of 1,700hz just like you predicted.  Looks like all I need to do is get a new AC power adaptor from Dell.

Thanks for the help and good news!!

Grant

Message Edited by Granted on 07-20-2004 07:26 AM

Ive just started getting exactly the same problem on my Inspiron 8600.

Thanks for the solution, 1 question.

Did Dell charge you for a new adapter or was it covered by warranty?

Hi Smek

I am still on my business trip and have not yet re-contacted Dell. 
My assumption is that both the battery and the AC adaptor are covered by a one year warranty. 
I have a 4-year at home warrenty on my I8600.

It is a real pain to have my 1700 mhz cpu running at 210 mhz just because of my broken AC adaptor.
I will be home this weekend and will let you know what Dell says.
I have a neighbor with at 8600 identical to mine and I am going to try his AC adaptor on my system to make sure that this fixes the problem before I call Dell.

Grant 

Message Edited by Granted on 07-26-2004 07:17 PM

Thanks

I've contacted Dell and awaiting a reply.

In the meantime you  could try turning speedstep off in the bios?

That might do the trick and let the cpu run at 1700, but it will run at that all of the time.

turning speed stepping of has done nothing to effect the speed, its still at 209mhz

Also that Microsoft arctile doesnt seem to have changed the cpu speed. :(

 

Dell have got back to me and explained that i need to send them a few details and they will send me out a new adapter in 3-4 days

when you check your processor speed, use the Intel Processor Frequency test (http://support.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/sb/CS-007623.htm). It is much more reliable. The speed reported by Windows is often not correct, especially the speed shown on the My Computer Properties dialog. Select the QuickSet ALWAYS ON power option and then run the Intel utility.

 

Update: Sent my form in 2 days ago, dell phoned yesterday to check settings, then the adapter arrived today, even tho is said 2-5 days from despatch

Very good service from this company again, altho they problem may have been known to them still good service resolving it.