Running off adapter but not showing it

Question

I tried searching this forum but didn't find a similar problem.  When I plug in my laptop to the AC adapter, I get no green battery light (charging or flashing).  My laptop shows that I am on battery power but it never drains.  The battery shows 52% charge but it won't charge.  This was happening with my old adapter which was breaking at the connector anyway, but it is also happening with the new adapter that I bought today.  It seems to be working fine, though I would like to know that my battery is getting charged.  I have a 2001 Inspiron 8100 with one original battery and floppy drive in the battery bays. Thanks.

ejn63 · Answer

Given the age of the battery, it's probably dead - replace it.

NomadJack123 · Answer

I forgot to add (I know this is probably important).  The computer will not power up with only AC power (battery removed).  And, it will not recognize the computer is plugged into AC power though the battery is not draining.

NomadJack123 · Answer

Anyone?  While I know the battery is not new and has very little life-span left, my laptop will not power up while under AC power alone.  Please help.

ejn63 · Answer

Plug the adapter into the wall (but not the notebook). Does the LED turn on? If yes, the adapter is good. The fault is with the power circuitry on the mainboard.

NomadJack123 · Answer

The light does not turn on.  Does this computer have a separate power management board from the motherboard or would this require replacing the whole motherboard?

NomadJack123 · Answer

Just FYI for those doing a search for power issues.  I took my computer apart and found that the charger card (small car just below the video card) had come loose from the motherboard.  I tightened everything back up again and its working like a champ now.

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Running off adapter but not showing it

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