Get Windows 7 out of the loop by testing the battery using a free alternative OS.
No need to change or install anything, runs from USB pen drive / memory stick.

Common W7 issue is: Consider replacing your battery.

Hi. I am on Bios A12 which I think is the latest. Is it?

Also make sure you have the latest bios update for your model. Some bios updates have addressed this problem. You should have updated the bios before upgrading to win7, but if you skipped this step, do it now.

Even simpler - if the battery will charge when the system is powered off, then it's a Windows problem.  If it won't, it's a hardware problem.

No. It doesnt charge when switched off :( Like you say, it does suggest the battery is the problem. Although I am still suspicous as there are a lot of people having the same problem. I just hanging onto the slim hope that the battery is fully charged and windows is reporting on it incorrectly.

Anyone know where to buy a new battery from cheaper than dell. Either a proper dell battery or a equivalent. I currently have the basic battery, if I upgrade to a battery where the usage time increases do I also have to buy a new mains cable or can my current one work.

Thanks,

Darren

The battery should have LEDs on it to tell you its charge state.  Check those.

Note:  Third-party batteries often do not work with the logic circuit, so you may not be able to tell when the battery is charging or discharged.   If you do buy other than from Dell, it's vital to determine when the battery was made -- a battery that's a  year old when you start using it may have half its useful life behind it (batteries age, used or not - and as with your car battery, the fresher it is the longer it'll last).

The laptop is just over a year old and only just out of its warranty. But are you saying the battery could be older than that?

I shouldn't be suprised about this current problem. This is a replacement to my original M1530 as the original had numerous problems. It over-heated, gave electric shocks, the touch pad stopped working, the screen cracked. Dell eventually agreed to replace after months of contact with technical support and customer services. I am a bit disappointed that the battery has only lasted 15 months for a £450 laptop.

I wonder what my chances of complaining to dell and getting a new battery. Probably none. Do any dell representatives read these forums? Maybe this is the final reason why I should never buy a dell again.

Darren.

As long as you're not seeing a warning about the AC adapter not being recognized, it's almost certainly a battery problem.  If it's an original battery, it's 2-3 years old at least - and that's beyond the expected life of a battery.

When I press the battery test button I get 3 solid green lights (not flashing). If I keep hold of it, it then changes to 4, then all lights go out. I dont know whether this is normal. Does this confirm a battery problem. If so, no need to go down the root of trying a different operating system.

I am happy the mains cable is working. The green light is on and the battery isnt draining even though it is staying on 45% so power is definately getting through but just not going beyond 45%.

No manufacturer will replace a battery older than 12 months - no one. You can buy whatever you'd like but if your expectation is that any manufacturer will , you'll be as out of luck as you are now.