If the adapter is listed as "unknown", either it or the system board is faulty. Try another Dell adapter - if it doesn't solve the problem, then the mainboard needs repair (or replacement, which for this model may be cheaper).
Most of above is correct, but there are a few more considerations. If you get that message, it may be a faulty adapter (probably), but could also be a bad power jack or a MB issue. The power supply CAN be putting out 19.2 v. and still get the message if the data pin/wire is faulty. The thing will run the computer but will NOT charge the battery. Also, the CPU will run at half speed if running from the adapter ONLY. Contrary to popular belief, most all of the newer PA-10 type adapters from China WILL work (I'm on my second one for my D800) as long as the data circuit is intact. They can be had for as little as $9.00 on the bay. Be aware that if you buy a GENUINE DELL adapter from China, it WILL be a counterfeit and is the same as the $9.00 item. The only way to be sure you're getting a REAL DELL is to buy it from DELL. Sometimes it is possible to fiddle with the plug that goes into the laptop and get a connection, but these things are NOTORIOUS for loosening up and the only real fix is to replace them. A quick confirmation of a loose jack is that the power plug into the laptop will get HOT while charging.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
August 5th, 2011 10:00
Does the BIOS properly recognize the AC adapter (F2 at powerup) or is it listed as "unknown"?
broughie
4 Posts
0
August 10th, 2011 06:00
its listed as unknown
speedstep
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
1
August 10th, 2011 07:00
Only recognized Genuine Dell power adapters will charge the battery.
Batteries are only warrantied for 1 year and typical 300 to 500 cycles.
3rd party Non Dell Batteries could also damage the ac adapter and or motherboard.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
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August 10th, 2011 07:00
Step 1 would be to try a new Dell adapter. If that doesn't solve the problem, then the system board needs repair or replacement.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
August 10th, 2011 07:00
If the adapter is listed as "unknown", either it or the system board is faulty. Try another Dell adapter - if it doesn't solve the problem, then the mainboard needs repair (or replacement, which for this model may be cheaper).
broughie
4 Posts
0
August 10th, 2011 07:00
ime using a genuine ac adapter & battery
choffman41
6 Posts
0
August 10th, 2011 10:00
Most of above is correct, but there are a few more considerations. If you get that message, it may be a faulty adapter (probably), but could also be a bad power jack or a MB issue. The power supply CAN be putting out 19.2 v. and still get the message if the data pin/wire is faulty. The thing will run the computer but will NOT charge the battery. Also, the CPU will run at half speed if running from the adapter ONLY. Contrary to popular belief, most all of the newer PA-10 type adapters from China WILL work (I'm on my second one for my D800) as long as the data circuit is intact. They can be had for as little as $9.00 on the bay. Be aware that if you buy a GENUINE DELL adapter from China, it WILL be a counterfeit and is the same as the $9.00 item. The only way to be sure you're getting a REAL DELL is to buy it from DELL. Sometimes it is possible to fiddle with the plug that goes into the laptop and get a connection, but these things are NOTORIOUS for loosening up and the only real fix is to replace them. A quick confirmation of a loose jack is that the power plug into the laptop will get HOT while charging.
broughie
4 Posts
0
August 11th, 2011 05:00
so it seems to be a mb problem
has anyone tried baking one
if so what was the result
thx for all input