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80890
August 19th, 2011 01:00
Universal AC adapter doesn't charge the battery
Hi, my dell AC adapter stopped working some days ago, I'm abroad and the only adapter I could buy is an universal type. When I plug-in the adapter, laptop works perfectly, but battery doesn't charge.
During booting process, it appears the following message: "WARNING: The AC adapter type cannot be determined. This will prevent optimal system performance. Please check AC adapter connect properly, remove AC adapter and plug-in it again, thanks".
I checked in BIOS settings, but the only thing I could do was to hide this warning message.
I tried to update BIOS by installing the latest version (downloaded from dell website), but I can't install it because a warning message tells me the battery is flat and so it can't go on.
What should I do? ...I need to charge my laptop!!
Thanks in advance
RoseCotton
10 Posts
1
August 19th, 2011 04:00
I've experienced this previously with Dell laptops: universal AC adaptors will power Dells, but won't necessarily charge them.
The solution: either buy a Dell-branded adaptor or one that's specifically intended to work with Dells. It is possible to buy non-Dell adaptors that are 'for' Dells, on eBay for example.
It's very likely that the universal adaptor you've bought won't be able to charge your Dell; it isn't just something you're doing wrong, so it's only use is as an emergency spare.
speedstep
11 Legend
•
47K Posts
1
August 19th, 2011 07:00
There is a serial EEProm in the dell adapter that sends a message via the tiny pin in the center.
Non dell adapters Will not charge the laptop.