D800 boot message: Power Adapter type cannot be determined -> step & charge problems

The connector end of your power supply should check about 19.7 Volt DC with the (+) being the inner wall of the 'barrel' and (-) on the outside.
(Checked with plug in wall but not connected to D800.)

It is that center pin that supplies the 'signal' that the D800 is looking for to ID the power supply, (voltmeter shows about (+) .3v on that pin).

It is possible for the fault to lie within the power supply, but more likely it is in the connector on the back of the MotherBoard of your D800.

Confirmation would be to connect a known good power supply and see if that does away with the warning.

It should work (and charge) normally when connected through a Dock (does not use that connection on the rear).

A simple "trip on the cord" would be enough to jerk that connector with enough force to damage the MotherBoard, if it were just a break in a
connection, a repair might be possible, but a crack in the MotherBoard and it's toast.

You should call Dell to arrange a warranty repair, Dell will just replace the MotherBoard, if your Warranty has expired, it would be less
than half the cost to just buy a Dock.

A D-Port or D-Dock on eBay might be a fourth or fifth the cost of a MotherBoard on eBay (and there are several different possible MotherBoards
listed for D800's, Dothan CPU or not).

edit:- I should add that I use a "D-Port" that came with the Notebook Stand, External Dell Keyboard & Dell Optical Mouse for a little over $200
total cost new from Dell 'Web Store'. This also came with an identical "PA-10 Family NO. : PA-1900-02D DP/N: 9T215" 90 Watt P.S.
that powers the D-Port and it connects through the port on the underside of the D800 and powers the D800 and charges the battery.

I have no knowledge of other types of "Docks" like APR's, D-Docks etc.:)

Message Edited by Art on 12-11-2005 09:28 AM

And I really hate to add more 'Bad News' but if your battery has been completely dead for long, it may also need to be replaced.

Message Edited by Art on 12-11-2005 09:35 AM

Thanks Art, for that thoughtful, informed response.

I don't have a voltmeter, and am looking for another power-adapter to try. As you've noticed on similar posts on this forum, the PA-10 adapters seem to have lots of problems, so I'm hoping it's that. The machines an out of warranty ebay purchase, so I really hope it's not the mobo.

Thanks again.

This problem is similar to the one that I am currently experiencing (as of yesterday).

I have a Latitude D400 and right now I am unable to recharge my battery and can only run off AC adapter power. Every time I reboot the computer the very same warning message comes up: "Power Adapter Type cannot be determined"

I have no way to test it with another known good AC adapter, but I was surprised to learn that it may be a problem with the motherboard. I assumed that the battery went kaput and all I would need to do is replace it...

I checked the AC adapter and cables... no damage here.
Took out the battery and right now it shows one green light lit.
Battery is currently at 5% power (no way to recharge) and if I pull away the AC plug, system automatically warns me that power is low.

Maybe it may be a problem with the battery charger card, and that I need to reset it? Or replace the battery? Or, the worst part.. the motherboard is actually kaput and needs to be replaced?

Thanks

my take is the easiest way to troubleshoot this is beg, borrow or steal a powersupply. I even asked people in internet cafes if I could plug in with theirs just for an experiment. If it's not a problem with the mobo, you won't get the POST warning, and the battery will charge. You can also download a system performance program from http://www.cpuid.com/ that will tell you how fast your CPU is running. If the power adapter is bad the CPU will be running at a slower speed, thinking it needs to step down because it's not sure you're on AC power. 

Told Dell that I didn't have access to a known good adapter and they consented to send me a new one...

So when I get it and test it, I guess that'll be the moment of truth. If all goes well then it was the AC adapter.. if not, then it must obviously be the motherboard, and then I'd be in deep trouble, right?

Hi, I have also received the same message, but I do have access to another AC power adapter and discovered that the adapter was the problem, not the battery or mother board. My questions are: Should I replace my power cord with the same one? Do I have a choice? Is there another, better or cheaper compatible cord that can be recommended? And last, will Dell replace my faulty cord?
Thanks

Allie, you didn't specify what power adapter you have, so it's hard to tell about your first question. My philosophy is to spend the extra and go through Dell, because if there is a problem (and to answer your question 3), then Dell is much more likely to replace it than other vendors. Definitely try to shake them down for a replacement.

yep, tegia, that's the way I see it.

Another consideration is that if your Dell does not recognize the PS as a "Dell Approved"
it cuts your system speed by 70% and won't charge your battery.

Hello
the new AC adapter arrived this morning and the good news is that the problem was with the adapter after all... what a relief!

So, whenever anybody faces this problem, don't assume that it's the motherboard... it could be either that or the adapter.

Another twist on this problem I have not seen on the forum.

My D800 was running fine till last week. A colleague had the problem "AC Power adapter cannot be determined..." I lent him my power supply to see if power supply was the issue. It did not help him. But after I reconnected my power supply back to my D800, it started having the same problem. Now my battery will not charge and is flat...

That's scarey.

My only guess is if the power supply was shorted it blows the ID circuit.

Are you sure he didn't switch them on you? ;)

I also have a D600 that is giving me the "Power Adapter cannot be determined" error. Tried a separate known good AC adapter, and problem persists. Just bought a Port Replicator for the D-series (Dell part # 02T219 with PA-10 Adapter) hoping that this would circumvent potential motherboard replace but now it is even worse: same error message but instead of option to start up anyway with F3 button my only option is to shutdown shortly after the initial start-up screen. Anyone know of a way to force the Port Replicator to charge the battery on my machine, or I am simply looking at motherboard swap? Thanks for any help.