Dell inspiron 1501

Any other errors, such as a failure to recognize the AC adapter?

If not, how old is the system (more specifically, the battery)?

Hi, just remembered. Occasionaly the machine even switches itself off with no warning.

HI, thanks for responding..

Yes, I also get the message about the ac adapter, but I thought that was because Iam using a different adapter as the dell adapter recently (few weeks ago) didn't allow me to power up. Although the problem with the battery is older. Basically I had to reconfigure my machine approx 1 year ago and have been using the ac adapter ever since. The battery doesn't even give me enough time to transfer electrical sockets. The battery is an original 9 cell model which I asked for when I bought the machine approx oct 2007.

Thanks

Russ 

Chances are the battery is at the end of its life - you'll need a new one.  Also try a new AC (Dell) adapter.  If that doesn't fix the failure to recognize the adapter, then the mainboard needs repair or replacement.