'AC Adapter Not Recognized' - Inspiron E1505

Question

I have an Inspiron E1505 with the original Dell adapter. Since I got it, I've occasionally received error messages about the power adapter, and it seems these messages are becoming more frequent. One of my batteries has also stopped working, which I think might be related.

Some of the messages are on a DOS type screen while the computer is booting up, sometimes they are warning dialogs in Windows. They usually say something like "AC Adapter not recognized. Use a genuine Dell AC Adapter" or "Your battery will not charge properly unless you use a correct adapter."

Any ideas on what is causing this? Do I have a faulty adapter? Could this be I just have bad power everywhere I'm using it? That seems unlikely since it happens no matter where I use it. Is there a problem with the computer's power supply? Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

dallascowboyswo · Answer

Call Dell if you are under warranty. Maybe they will replace the A/C adapter. It could be at fault If not you may have a motherboard issue. If you are out of warranty then of course you will have to buy an A/C adapter and hope it resolves your issue for a motherboard replacement can cost 300-500 dollars.

Inspiron E1505
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB/2.00GHz/667MHz)
15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+
1GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm
256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400
120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-RW Philips Drive
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0 + EDR)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
Bios A08
pur. Sept. 7 2006
WRT54G Linksys router v3.1 (DD-WRT v23 SP2 std)
ZoneAlarm Pro v 6.0.667.000

brandonmason · Answer

Just turned on my computer and got the error message, so I jotted down the exact wording:

"The AC Power Adapter Type cannot be detected This will prevent optimal performance."

It further instructed me to "reseat the power adapter" and press F1 to continue (or F3 to ignore future power warnings or F5 to run onboard diagnostics)

This is a black screen with white letters (like a DOS type screen). It came up immediately after I hit the power button to turn on the computer.

I did recently run the onboard diagnostics. No errors were found.

As I said above, I also sometimes receive a dialog box in Windows. The plug seems to be in properly, and the computer is receiving power.

A Google search returned two people reporting similar problems (neither helpful for solution):
- http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52397
- http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Inspiron-9100-3-0-80-512-UXGA_W0QQitemZ320043441472QQihZ011QQcategoryZ140080QQcmdZViewItem

Message Edited by brandonmason on 12-13-200608:04 PM

brandonmason · Answer

Okay, just got the other message. This one is a Windows dialog box:

Title of the window is "QuickSet" the text is:

"Your system will operate slower and the battery will not charge. Please connect a Dell 65W AC adapter or higher for best system performance"

I have a Dell 65W AC adapter connected.

Thoughts?

dglima · Answer

I suggest you to read the forum:     http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_power&message.id=41073&view=by_date_ascending&page=10     there are many of people with the same problem.... something like PRoblems with the power in Inspiron 5160     Daniel

noeldp · Answer

The link re many people with E1505 laptop have this problem, does not work as of 08/2007.   My E1505 just started reporting power adapter not recognized.  I have 2 Dell power supplies (got a spare for travel) and now neither will charge the battery.  Hopefully not a motherboard problem, but i'm suspicious because a couple months ago one of the memory slots failed (2 weeks after 1 year warranty ran out of course).  What's with Dell building laptops that only work for a year?  My Sony took a beating and was still ticking after 4 years.  Help!

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"AC Adapter Not Recognized" - Inspiron E1505

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