'AC power adapter will not charge properly' message.

Question

Woe is me!! Bought a new battery, thought I was being smart, took in my laptop and got a new battery (non-dell) saving £50 on the dell battery. Started getting warning messages saying I am using the wrong AC Power adapter and my battery would not charge properly. As I am still using the same dell power adapter that came with my laptop and have only changed the battery, thought this must be just a small glich because Dell don't like you using anything other than dell, especially as, the message went away when I merely unplugged the power cable and then replugged it in, and then it would charge away fine. That is, til a few days ago, when the messages started appearing more often and then yesterday they wouldn't go away! Now my battery will not charge at all and is stuck on 4% and I cannot use my laptop without a power source!! This is a huge inconvenience as I am wheelchair bound and heavily reliant on my laptop to retain a measure of independence and self respect. Unfortunately, I know very little computer language, so please keep any advice in lay-man's language! I have a 2 yr old Studio 17 with Windows 7 and no warranty left. Please can anyone help little-me??? Shmmk76 :) xx

ejn63 · Answer

If the AC adapter warning is still there, the first thing to try is a new OEM Dell (NOT third part) AC adapter. If that doesn't solve the problem, replace the power jack inside the system. It's on a cable connected to the mainboard (see below for the part reference):

www.parts-people.com/index.php

Shmmk76 · Answer

Thanks ejn63!

Tbh your reply sounds a little more scary than I was hoping for.. just detaching the battery pack at the back is the limit so far of my laptop surgery skills!! And I fear seeing my laptops innards may induce a full-on faint!

But I will try getting hold of the new adapter thingy you mentioned and try not to worry too much past.

Thanks again! Watch this space..

Shmmk76 :) xx

Highlander1746 · Answer

Similar situation last night.  I have the same laptop and same age.  Battery warning messages, Stuck on 4%. Then said battery dead will not charge.  Kept using the laptop for another 45 minutes with no problem.  System said 0% battery and Laptop keep on running.  Charged overnight and still get all the same disaster messages, been using the battery for one hour now.  I have disabled the Dell Battery Meter and installed a freeware battery meter.  Running the calibration.  Shame on you Dell.

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