The particular pattern of red/green flashes probably means something specific but I don't know what, a Dell tech or maybe someone else here can answer that.
If I am understanding you correctly, the battery indicator says the battery is at 98% but when you unplug the AC adapter the computer shuts off, suggesting the battery doesn't actually have any charge left? Does the battery always say 98% or does it ever get to 100%? If it never gets to 100% it could indicate a problem with the battery charging or that the amount of charge left isn't being reported correctly. On the bottom of the battery there is a button that is a picture of a battery with a circle around it and there are 5 white dots next to it. Remove the battery from the laptop and press the button, how many lights come on? Each represents ~20% of charge, if the battery really has 98% left all 5 should come on.
After 2 years it is certainly possible that the battery doesn't work anymore and needs to be replaced, which is why batteries are only warrantied for 1 year regardless of what warranty you bought for the rest of the computer (many people don't realize this, it's in the fine print). In particular the e1505/6400 batteries which are, I am sorry to say, junk when it comes to their longevity (I have the same one and just had to replace mine after only 1.5 years). Check out the glorious reviews.
Regarding leaving the laptop plugged in with the battery in, read this article which is stickied at the top of this forum ('Battery Life Article') and which discusses this issue, among others. Basically, storing a fully charged battery at an elevated temperature, which is exactly what you're doing when using a plugged in laptop with the battery in, greatly decreases battery life (I didn't realize how much of an effect this has and will now seriously consider removing the battery sometimes when plugged in. Too bad there isn't some kind of cover that could be inserted to protect from dust, etc. when the battery is removed).
Message Edited by biznatch11 on 09-18-2008 09:34 PM
Thank you so much for your response! When I took the battery out and pressed that button, NOTHING!!!!. So, I do believe my battery is dead. I never would have known to do that w/o your reply. I guess I will need to purchase a new battery if I ever want to leave my kitchen table. Thank You!!!!
biznatch11
212 Posts
0
September 19th, 2008 01:00
The particular pattern of red/green flashes probably means something specific but I don't know what, a Dell tech or maybe someone else here can answer that.
If I am understanding you correctly, the battery indicator says the battery is at 98% but when you unplug the AC adapter the computer shuts off, suggesting the battery doesn't actually have any charge left? Does the battery always say 98% or does it ever get to 100%? If it never gets to 100% it could indicate a problem with the battery charging or that the amount of charge left isn't being reported correctly. On the bottom of the battery there is a button that is a picture of a battery with a circle around it and there are 5 white dots next to it. Remove the battery from the laptop and press the button, how many lights come on? Each represents ~20% of charge, if the battery really has 98% left all 5 should come on.
After 2 years it is certainly possible that the battery doesn't work anymore and needs to be replaced, which is why batteries are only warrantied for 1 year regardless of what warranty you bought for the rest of the computer (many people don't realize this, it's in the fine print). In particular the e1505/6400 batteries which are, I am sorry to say, junk when it comes to their longevity (I have the same one and just had to replace mine after only 1.5 years). Check out the glorious reviews.
Regarding leaving the laptop plugged in with the battery in, read this article which is stickied at the top of this forum ('Battery Life Article') and which discusses this issue, among others. Basically, storing a fully charged battery at an elevated temperature, which is exactly what you're doing when using a plugged in laptop with the battery in, greatly decreases battery life (I didn't realize how much of an effect this has and will now seriously consider removing the battery sometimes when plugged in. Too bad there isn't some kind of cover that could be inserted to protect from dust, etc. when the battery is removed).
Mypixidoodle
2 Posts
0
September 19th, 2008 11:00