Port Replicator error on startup for Inspiron 8600

Question

After shutting my Inspiron 8600 down and removing from port replicator yesterday, the laptop now will not start without the replicator. Instead it issues an error message on startup which states: "The computer is docked and only battery power is detected. Undock, redock, attach power adapter, or plug in power cord. Press F1 to shut down."

The laptop is not docked, and when a power cord is attached to the laptop the error message is almost the same, but says that the power cord is not strong enough. This is the same power cord I have always used without the port replicator; it came with the new laptop in October.

Any ideas as to what I need to do to correct this problem short of always having the laptop docked in order to operate it?

Thanks in advance for helping.

DELL-BobT · Answer

oloughlinc,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

It sounds as though the undocked profile became corrupt. Try docking the system and removing the undocked profile. You should then proceed to undock the system and reboot. In theory, the system should recreate the undocked profile from the docked profile.

Regarding the power to the system, make sure that the two AC adapters output the same amount of power.

oloughlinc · Answer

I docked the laptop and then removed the 'undocked' profile as you suggested. The 'undocked' was not rebuilt, and the laptop now not only does not start without the docking station, but now does not have an undocked profile. I cannot create one because all I can do is replicate the one that is left - the 'docked' profile. How do I correct this? I would really like to use my laptop undocked again.

DELL-BobT · Answer

oloughlinc, My theory was incorrect.  The issue is that the operating system has most likely become corrupt.  I suggest that you back up your  data and reinstall the operating system at this point.

oloughlinc · Answer

I have reformatted and reinstalled my operating system. The problem still exists. The only possibility that I can come up with is that this is not an operating system problem, but a BIOS problem. The error screen comes right after the "Dell screen," and before the Windows screen. I also wonder if the "undocked" profile did not come back after the reinstall because the laptop was docked during the install, so the OS never saw it undocked. As I cannot start the laptop without docking it, I'm not sure how to get an undocked profile added to the hardware list.

Also, can I use the 90 watt power cord for the laptop without the docking station, or is it strictly for the laptop as it is docked? If I could use the higher wattage cord, at least I could start the laptop undocked...I think.

I would really appreaciate using my laptop undocked again. What next?

oloughlinc · Answer

Looking for any type of response on this. I've searched the net and cannot find anything that addresses this. Before I was instructed to remove the undocked profile - see above - I could at least choose "undocked" on startup after setting up the bios to ask me which I wanted. Since removing the undocked profile, I cannot rebuild it, as only a docked profile exists now, and you can only copy a profile that exists. Does someone know how to create a profile from scratch? I really want to resolve this before the end of my warranty, and it's becoming a pain to carry my port replicator everywhere I take my brand new (in October) laptop. Bob T, you out there? Has anyone else experienced this and fixed it?

Any response would be welcome,

Thanks

oloughlinc · Answer

Thanks for the response. I have found another forum area which discusses this same problem, and had found the solution you suggest to be the only one. I will be calling Dell Monday morning to have packing boxes sent to me.

Thanks again for your response as it appears the Moderators have chosen to stop responding about this problem.

ofelas · Answer

The only solution is to get the motherboard on the laptop replaced (some of the earlier revision MBs had issues with the docking hardware).

ssplus · Answer

Hi,

I am having the same problem with my 8500. basicly I get the error anytime I do not have a power cord attached. I can't belive the mother board needs to be replace for this. Any other solutions ?

oloughlinc · Answer

Sorry, but it appears that there was a bad batch of motherboards, and that this is the only cure. At least for the problem described in this thread. Check out this thread too: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_apr&message.id=4914&view=by_date_ascending&page=1

It has far more responses than this one, and shows how extensive this problem really is.

wcaruthers · Answer

I have run into the identical problem you described. I found that I can run on battery power if I actually remove from the docking station without sending the undock command or boot with the AC adapter then remove the power cord after the Windows XP screen comes up.

If it goes into hibernation or sleep however, same problem crops up.

Did you ever get a satisfactory resolution??

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Port Replicator error on startup for Inspiron 8600

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