The problem is the AC adapter, don't be conned into an expensive motherboard replacement. These Dell adapter have the worst working life of any I have experienced (6-12 months at best). The problem stems from the Dell adapter normally sending a signal to the computer to verify it is a Dell original adpater. When this bit of the adapter circuitry fails, the computer thinks you have a non-Dell supplied adapter, steps down the processor speed and stops charging the battery (probably to penalise you for buying non-Dell stuff even though it is a Dell part). Buy a new Dell AC adapter and you are back in business. I have 2 Dell adapters, one is not recognised by the system and the other one is recognised = no fault in the motherboard.
Dell make a fortune out of selling replacement AC adapters so I am sure they would love to sell you another one.
It would be good if it is just the power supply, but I'm suspicious because it was working fine the day I left, I plugged in the Targus on the plane, and when I got here it didn't work.
So, now I'm not sure what to do, except I'm regretting buying the adaptor, and especially from Dell if they make me buy a motherboard after blowing it with something I bought from them. The big problem is, if I fix the motherboard, do I then try the Targus again and burn it out? I'm gonna try to return the travel adaptor this really bites way too much time and effort!
deanlillywhite
6 Posts
0
June 24th, 2004 09:00
DELL-Corey
2.6K Posts
0
June 24th, 2004 16:00
Unfortunately, it sounds like the micro-chip on the motherboard that detects the AC adaptor may be damaged, you probably will need a new motherboard.
Fat Cat
131 Posts
0
June 24th, 2004 23:00
The problem is the AC adapter, don't be conned into an expensive motherboard replacement. These Dell adapter have the worst working life of any I have experienced (6-12 months at best). The problem stems from the Dell adapter normally sending a signal to the computer to verify it is a Dell original adpater. When this bit of the adapter circuitry fails, the computer thinks you have a non-Dell supplied adapter, steps down the processor speed and stops charging the battery (probably to penalise you for buying non-Dell stuff even though it is a Dell part). Buy a new Dell AC adapter and you are back in business. I have 2 Dell adapters, one is not recognised by the system and the other one is recognised = no fault in the motherboard.
Dell make a fortune out of selling replacement AC adapters so I am sure they would love to sell you another one.
CanuckTraveller
2 Posts
0
June 25th, 2004 05:00
It would be good if it is just the power supply, but I'm suspicious because it was working fine the day I left, I plugged in the Targus on the plane, and when I got here it didn't work.
So, now I'm not sure what to do, except I'm regretting buying the adaptor, and especially from Dell if they make me buy a motherboard after blowing it with something I bought from them. The big problem is, if I fix the motherboard, do I then try the Targus again and burn it out? I'm gonna try to return the travel adaptor this really bites way too much time and effort!
deanlillywhite
6 Posts
0
June 25th, 2004 07:00