XPS Gen 2 - Error Message: AC Power Adapter Type Cannot Be Determined

Question

Have been experiencing the following error message when booting up: 'AC Power Adapter Type Cannot Be Determined. The system can only boot with a 130 W power adapter.'   Power adapter is a 130W. Light on power adapter is always on when plugged into an outlet.   Unplugging and replugging after letting the power drain from the power adapter and then trying to boot up is currently not working. Have tried different outlets either at home or office, but this does make a difference.   Have to boot on battery power before plugging in power adapter, but this is a problem when there is no longer any battery power. Once booted up using battery power, can plug power adapter to work on the laptop, but it does not recharge the battery.   Often for no reason, it'll work so I can boot up using the power adapter and it'll recharge the battery.   Thanks for any help. Message Edited by RisingWindows on 01-04-200708:15 PM

scott31337 · Answer

If your positive thats the same power adapter you have been using, it is failing then.. If your computers under warranty,Chat/Email/Phone support and have it replaced.

It COULD be the motherboard not sensing it right, or the connecter on the portable is been moved/bent/etc...

kdub1978 · Answer

This is my problem exactly too. The pin is not bent or damaged so now I dont know if the problem is with the motherboard as mentioned above or the adapter. I am no longer under warranty. I've priced the adapter on the dell website as $59 canadian but am sceptical at buying it if it is going to be of the same quality and I'm going to run into this problem again. Also if it is the mother board then I'll be wasting my money. This is also fairly expensive considering my XPS is still new and I've treated it with care. Warranty's aside, I still expect a certain level of quality when buying a high end system. I would appreciate someone from Dell to respond to this and recommend a course of action as this seems not to be an isolated problem but one that affects many people. Thanks

Djdingman · Answer

I am receiving the same error message.  When I unplug it boots fine.  I too am out of warranty, but have treated this computer extremely well.  I would tend to thing that with so many exprerencing the same issue that Dell would check into it.  Please assist.

Granpawl · Answer

I also had a same problem with my M170.  Replaced the PA-13 ac adapter which didn't work.  Replaced the ac plug on the motherboard, also didn't work.  I than purchased a Dell PA-15 150 watt adapter and low and behold we now have a working laptop.  It was better than buying a new motherboard.

Granpawl · Answer

Update It worked for 2 days and now it's back to not booting with the adapter and won't charge.  Looks like Dell has got us.

Stormweaverz · Answer

i am having the same problem on my Gen 1. it has worked fine forever and now it gives me the boot error. i tried several different wall outlets and still the same thing. the cord is fine and no pins are bent. my pc boots fine and runs ok (noticable difference like slightly slower processing speed and reduced fps during games). i have a limited amount of money with which to repair my system and i dont want to blow 90 bucks on a refurbished adaptor (only new adaptor availiable to me). anyone have a solution?

cpthappy · Answer

Has anyone found a solution to this problem?  My XPS Gen2 just started having this problem, and the battery will not recharge. Thanks,

lch79 · Answer

Has anyone found a solution to this issue?  I just started getting this message - I do see these are really old posts.

kirkd · Answer

If the power adapter works OK in another laptop, then the problem is most likely the DC socket on the system board. Some models have a small plug in power board that is a lot cheaper than a new system board. Problem is usually broken solder connection(s) between the socket and the system board. Caused usually by harsh treatment of the plug/socket. Some have been successful installing a new socket themselves (search the web). Some shops can also do the soldering.

Occasionally, someone upgrades the BIOS and has the problem go away.

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XPS Gen 2 - Error Message: AC Power Adapter Type Cannot Be Determined

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