Hi rwilliamsitpro,

The issue seems to be with the adapter not getting detected properly.

I will request you to check if the DC in port is connected properly or not. You may try to reseat the DC in port cable and make sure it is properly connected to the system board.

Please refer to the Service Manual of this system for instructions on assembling and dis-assembling the hardware components. Follow the 'Safety Guidelines' listed on the manual to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

You may refer to the service manual on the link http://bit.ly/17HO5Iq.

Keep me posted with the results. I will be glad to assist you further.

Hello Dell-Kuldeep M,

Thanks for your reply.  I followed your advice and checked to make sure the DC In port cable was seated properly.  I also removed the cable and inspected it and could not find any physical damage to the cable.  The laptop is still doing the same thing.  I was able to isolate to a problem with the battery not being detected because the laptop will power all the way on with the AC adapter plugged in and if a secondary battery is attached.  What would you suggest at this point?

Hi rwilliamsitpro,

You may check the BIOS to see if the battery is getting detected properly.

Go to the BIOS screen by pressing F2 at the Dell logo 4-5 times; Check ‘Battery Information’ under ‘General’.

If the battery is not getting recognized, you may try to update the system BIOS using a secondary good known battery. You may download and update the BIOS from the link http://dell.to/168l37p.

For steps on how to update the BIOS, refer to the video on the link http://dell.to/176grvH.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to reply for any further assistance.

No luck my friend.  The system will not allow me to update the BIOS because the battery cannot be detected when trying to upgrade to A09.  I tried to upgrade to newer bios A15, but the prerequisite is A09.

Hi rwilliamsitpro,

As you have mentioned earlier that the issue is with the battery not being detected and the system worked with a secondary battery, I will suggest you to connect a working battery to update the BIOS.

In order to update the BIOS, the battery should be recognized by the system with more than 10% charge along with the Adapter connected.

Try updating the BIOS with a working battery and then connect the original battery to see if gets detected.

If the BIOS update is unable to resolve the issue, you may have to replace the battery.

Keep me posted. I will be glad to assist you further.

Allow me to clarify:  The secondary battery is the extended battery that you would attach to the bottom of the laptop.  I happened to have one to use for testing.  The main battery is not being detected by the BIOS.  I tried switching the main battery with another battery that I know is working and the BIOS still did not detect it.  I found some notes online that some people are able to update the BIOS via MSDOS boot disc, however there has been mixed results in the success of that.  I was going to attempt to do the same, but was unsure if it would mess up the motherboard in some way.  What do you think?

Hi rwilliamsitpro,

Updating the BIOS via MSDOS would also require the battery and the adapter to function normally.

If a good known battery is also not being recognized by the system, the issue could be with the motherboard. You may have to replace the motherboard.

If the system is in warranty, you may share the system's Service Tag and Owner's/Company's Name with me via private message (click my username and then click Start Conversation).

If the system is not in warranty and you are residing in US, you may contact Dell Out of Warranty Repairs (OWR) department in US by referring to the link: http://dell.to/15Ru1qU.

Please feel free to reply for any further assistance.