Hi TOM,

well if you update the BIOS that should definately fix this issue, If you still face the same issue , reply me back will suggest few more steps.

Thanks & Regards

Dell_Debbie_B

Dell Social Media Responder

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Hi ,

 Welcome to Dell community forums.

 Kindly click on the link mentioned which straight away takes you to Dell Inspiron 640m/E1405 System BIOS: http://dell.to/N7l8eU 

Installation Instructions:

Once you download this file, R301261.EXE icon appears on your desktop.

1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop labeled MX61_A10.EXE.

2. The Self-Extracting window appears and prompts you to extract or

Unzip to C:\DELL\DRIVERS\ MX61_A10. Write down this path so the executable (I.e.

Setup.exe) file can be found later.

 3. The Self-Extractor window appears.

4. Click OK.

5. After completing the file extraction, if the Self-Extractor

Window is still open, close it.

 6. Click the Start button and then click Run.

7. Type C:\DELL\DRIVERS\ MX61_A10 in the Open textbox and then click OK.

       8. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

 *NOTE: make sure to connect your system to ac adaptor while upgrading BIOS and make sure not to turn off the system while upgrading BIOS.

 Remove the battery and charger/ac adapter/power cord from your Dell notebook, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to discharge any residual current inside the laptop. This clears your RAM and is like hardware reset.

If the problem persists, did you check if it could be your Dell notebook power cord or power source problem? Insufficient power might cause issues that are misleading. Take the battery out and power on your notebook with the charger only. Make sure your notebook power jack and charger plug tip are securely connected. Did you notice the power jack loose?

For further assistance please reply

Thanks & Regards
Dell_Debbie_B

Dell Social Media Responder
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Hi Deb B.,

Do you have a suggestion regarding this battery issue?

                                   Tom

Debbie,

I upgraded the BIOS to vers A10 (04-02-2007). I then unplugged the AC cord, removed the battery and pressed the power button for 20 s as you suggested. This did not fix the problem. Any other ideas?

Hi TOM,

Well this could also be the issue with the Motherboard which is not able to detect Battery , when u remove your battery from your system just check if the holder pins which connects to the battery are fine?

If you system is under warranty, I can help you better if you can provide me some details like Service Tag (7 digit alphanumeric code ending with number 1) which you would find at the bottom of the laptop, your Contact Number, Best Time to Reach and Alternate Phone Number. Kindly let me know the above details through private messaging but not on open forum.

Thanks & Regards

Dell_Debbie_B

Dell Social Media Responder

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dellvlog?blend=1&ob=4

Debbie,

Thanks for the followup. I've ordered a new battery. If I have the same problem w/ the new battery, I'll just continue using the computer on AC power. It is six years old, so repair of the motherboard is not worthwhile.

                                                                                                         Tom

Hi Tom,

Well i hope that your system works fine with new battery, if in case you need any help from my side, feel free to ask me question. wish u all the best.

Thanks & Regards

Dell_Debbie_B

Dell Social Media Responder

Debbie,

I received the new battery (item 312-0461) yesterday. Unfortunately the specs on the DELL website are inaccurate. The website says it will work on an Inspiron E1405 but it does not fit (not even close). I'll just use the computer on AC power. The web listing should be corrected.

                                                                                    Tom

Tom,

I am really sorry to hear about this; anyhow I can send you the correct battery if you can share the Order number and Service Tag which you would find at the bottom of the laptop, you’re Contact Number, Best Time to reach and Alternate Phone Number. Kindly let me know the above details through private messaging only; please do not share this information on open forum.

Thanks & Regards

Debbie Bhatia

#iworkfordell

It is a waste of money to buy a new battery for an old computer. Just use the adapter until you can buy a new computer.

Debbie,

Thanks for offering more help. However I believe it will be best to just return the battery for a refund. When I searched DELL website for a replacement battery nothing came up. I then spoke to someone in the Orders Dept who claimed the 312-0461 battery would fit the computer. It was a bit suspicious because it did not come up in my search. It looks like DELL no longer stocks batteries for this model.

                 I'm going to order an AC adapter that also works on an automobile DC outlet and airline power outlets (item 310-8814). Thanks for your help.

                                                                                                           Tom