Inspiron 500m battery problem

Question

I'm one step from throwing my computer out the window.   I have a Inspiron 500m.  My battery life says 3 hours, but I can't leave it unplugged to long before I get a message saying low battery.  .  It will say 3 hours left, and in a few minutes it will say 2 hours left.  Not long later it would say urgent  and suggest I plug it to A/C outlet.  Less than 1 hour would pass when all this is happening. It been like this since I got my computer 3 years ago.  I've yet got to enjoy my computer unplugged from the outlet.  Can anyone give me a answer, why my battery usage deplete so quickly?   **** Major problem*** Now I'm experiencing problems with my LCD light. I see nothing when my computer starts.  I have to lift the LCD monitor up and down to finally see anything.  After being on the computer for a short time, the light goes out again.  I supsect the battery, but could it be another problem?  Please I need help.

ejn63 · Answer

If the battery is original, it's near the end of its service life. When the internal display goes black, is there an image on an external monitor?

Raven Kitty · Answer

Thank you.  I figure it may be the battery.   I should have contacted Dell when it first happen.  I'm sure it's not normal for the battery energy to deplete so quickly when it's new?  It suppose to last 3 hours, but I would  had to reconnect to the outlet under a hour.  So for 3 years I've keep it plugged to the outlet.   I can't see a thing when I first turn the computer on.  Only after it boots up, I can barely see my desktop background.   I'll try replacing the battery, hopefully that will solve the problem.

ejn63 · Answer

You've got a failing backlight, unrelated to the battery issue.

Raven Kitty · Answer

I assume my bad battery may have been the cause of my backlight problem, but you're right seperate issue.  I did fix the backlight problem.  Well, I hope it's fix.  I was able to see Windows screen when it start up.  For the battery, I'll just get a new one.  Maybe this old computer deserve another chance.  Thanks for all your help.  Happy Holidays...Take care. :smileyhappy:

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Inspiron 500m battery problem

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