The AC power adapter type cannot be determined. Dell Inspiron 1545.

Question

Hello everyone, Just recently I started receiving the dreaded error message 'The AC power adapter type cannot be determined. Your system will operate slower and the battery will not charge. Please connect a Dell 65W AC adapter or higher for best system operation' I've had my dell inspiron 1545 since 2009. I've already had to replace my battery once because I kept getting an error message. The above error message that I've been getting has gone on for about a week now. I had read that shoving the cord into the laptop would work. I know it sounds stupid but I actually tried it and for a while the adapter started charging my battery again. But every time I turn my laptop off I have to re plug in the adapter because I get that error message again. About 2 days ago I tried my usual method of shoving the cord in but now that method is not working at all and my battery is down to 18%. I have to say that I always keep my cord plugged in because my battery never lasted more than an hour before.  It seems as though my adapter is still working, when I plug it into the wall the blue light still appears. When I plug it into the laptop the icon appears that it's plugged in and the screen becomes brighter. I am also able to remove my battery and work on my laptop as long as the power adapter is plugged in. I am really worried that this problem has to do with the motherboard. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

First thing to try is a new Dell AC adapter - if that doesn't fix the problem, replace the power jack (see link below). And in the unlikely event it's not the adapter or the jack, the mainboard will need to be replaced.

www.parts-people.com/index.php

DELL-Amogh G · Answer

Hi gpesav,

I would suggest you to drain the residual power from the laptop:

Disconnect any external peripherals (flash drives, printers, external hard drives) from the computer
Then remove the adapter
Remove the battery
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds
Reconnect the battery and the adapter

You may update the latest BIOS from the link: http://dell.to/14vNPwF.

Note: Before updating BIOS please ensure that:
*Battery is >10% charged
*Battery charger should be connected
*No external devices (flash drives, printers, external hard drives) should be connected.
*All other programs should be closed and documents saved

Also, you may check the battery health from the ‘Dell Battery Meter’. The Battery Meter is used to check the status, life and health of the battery. To launch the Battery Meter:

Click ‘Start’
Click ‘Control Panel’
Click ‘Power Options’ under ‘Hardware and Sound’
Click ‘Dell Battery Meter’ and check for ‘Battery Health’

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

Brendalee528 · Answer

My dog got caught in my wires, and pulled out my adapter. since then I had the same problem.  I replaced the adapter, with a Dell brand.. adapter,,  twice.  I have the same problem.  I replaced the inside plug also.  There is no update to the bios for my Inspiron N7010.  I tried the Hold the power button for 10 seconds, with the adapter and battery disconnected.  The same problem exist.

ejn63 · Answer

If a new adapter and DC jack haven't solved the problem, the mainboard needs to be replaced.

Brendalee528 · Answer

Thank you.  I looked into a new mainboard.  I decided it is best to get a new laptop for just a couple hundred more since it is 7 years old.

HughHM · Answer

Glad to revive this old thread now that I have a 3 month old DELL laptop Inspiron i7 and am receiving this message.

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