I have the same problem.  Although my adaptor got a fray and shorted out.  I've tried multiple new adaptors and still nothing.  I also can't update my bios due to a lack of 10% battery power please help!!!!!!

Derek

If multiple adapters haven't worked, the problem is with the mainboard - the power jack or the charging circuit.

I just solved my problem with "Unknown devices" thing..

First of all, check your BIOS version and if it is A12... downgrade it to A09 (you can find it from google)

I solved my problem with that after I spent 2 months time with 2% charged battery ...

I do not have any problem after I downgrade BIOS from A12 to A09 for 3 days.. but you better back-up some important files... I do not want to cause any problem =p

E-mail me if you cannot fix this problem with BIOS downgrade.

Hello,

I have the problem of unknown AC Adapter in setup and no battery installed and because of power issue,no ability to install (replace) existing A09.  Extended diagnostics yields all things pass on hardware.

Very strange the AC adapter powers the laptop (I am using it to write this note yet it is not recognized by setup (but is recognized as operating with no conflicts when I try to update driver).  No IRQ conflicts, reformatted (full) IDE and reinstalled XP, etc., no change.

Help?

If it's a Dell adapter (NOT a third party unit) and it's known to be OK, that leaves the power jack (or another mainboard component) as the faulty part.

DELL uses the Smart Battery System for it's laptops. The laptop communicates with AC adapter and battery.

If communication fails somehow - battery is not charged.

The AC Adapter could not be determined is a well known symptom - The cause is it either a dead ID chip in the AC adapter, a broken cable, adapter plug, loose power jack or dead charge circuirty on the MOBO.

Most common are dead ID chip and loose power jack. Less are MOBO and broken cable, adapter plug. However, origin lays in the laptop design - especially for the dead ID chip and MOBO failure.

Battery charging shutdown by the laptop happens also when it's powered down - a part of BIOS seems to be running in a micro-controller in the lower dungeons.

Changing (Phoenix) BIOS is a seriously complex hack with the possibility of bricking your laptop (forever).

Laptopnomad,

Thanks for input.  I am curious how the AC Adapter can supply power so I may use this laptop (I am writing with the failed unit right now), yet not be recognized.

Is there a way/site to see the steps of inspecting the jack [Dell Inspiron 6000] (I am a hardware mainframe logic specialist by degree/experience)?

Is there a way to inspect the ID chip info?

Is booting BIOS from a CD to see if it can be resolved the serious hack method you warn of?

Is there any other software step besides extended diag, confirming no IRQ conflicts, setup default, AC Adapter inspection?

Could a bad battery (although new replacement from DELL) be a subject in this mystery?

Thanks for a reply,

PS... kimsland9 I posted this note way before I heard from you to not post two places.  I had asked a hardware question in hardware group, not your software group.

Great tip.   Downgraded to A09 and works great now.