No battery is detected

Hi Ted904,

I understand it could upsetting not to be able to use the computer. 

Do you get any error message in reference to battery not getting detected? If yes, please share the exact error message or paste the screenshot of same.

Let's try some troubleshooting steps that might help in resolving the issue for you. 

1) Drain out the residual power.

You may drain the residual power of your computer by following the steps below:

• Power off your computer. 
• Remove AC adapter, battery and all the external peripherals  (printers, scanners or any other USB device) connected to your computer.
• Press and hold the power button of your computer for 10-15 seconds to drain the residual power. 
• Insert the battery in and connect the AC adapter.
• Then power on the computer and see if it works. 
• If the issue persists, try the next step.

2) Check in system BIOS if the battery gets detected. 

• Restart your computer and tap F2 at Dell logo. 
• Navigate to 'Battery Information' and check for battery health.
• If the battery does not get detected, load the BIOS defaults by clicking 'Load Defaults'.
• Save settings and restart to check if the issue persists. 

3) If the issue persists, you may update system BIOS. 

Note: Make sure the ac adapter is connected and the battery is charged 10% or above to update the BIOS. Also, disconnect all the external peripherals before updating the BIOS. All the programs should be closed and documents saved.

Link to download system BIOS: http://dell.to/VI7kR1

Please share the findings. 

Also I've been researching how to update the BIOS. How am I suppose to install the BIOS with no battery? I've seen a couple methods in my research but those whom suggested them also said that it was risky.

I've had similar problems with my Vostro and Inspiron 17R SE. Usually what I do is remove first the battery, then use the laptop directly plugged to your power source. Wait for few minutes, then turn off your laptop. Put the battery back in to your laptop and see if it will turn on and be detected. Usually this works for me, not so technical but it gets the work done. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply. Those troubleshooting steps didn't work. Every time I boot the computer a black screen pops up with the following message in white text.

"WARNING: If a service tag was just installed you will need to shut the system down and unplug the AC adapter if present. Re-insert the AC adapter and power on the system to allow for proper functionality.

WARNING: The battery cannot be identified.

This system will be unable to charge the battery.

Strike the F1 key.........etc etc"

When I press F2 and go to look at the battery information there is a picture of a battery and under the picture it says

"not installed. Battery Health: Communication Error. AC adapter = 65 w"

I tried following the instructions on the black screen a thousand times and it doesn't work. I also repeated the instructions you gave me a couple times to no avail. I'm perplexed, this problem is above my technical ability to troubleshoot.

Hi Ted904,

I appreciate your efforts. 

If the battery charge is more than 10%, BIOS update can be done. As you have already tested system with an alternate battery and the issue persists, it might be an issue with motherboard and might need replacement. If the system is under warranty, you may private message me the service tag of your computer. I have added you as a friend. Please accept my friend request by clicking on my name highlighted in blue and then click on “Friends” tab at the top and then click on “Request to Review” and finally click on “Accept” button.

I am sending you a private message as well. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system records and check for further course of action. You could also click on Start Conversation to send a private message.

@ Radjap: Thank you for assisting the customer.  

Please reply with information.