Bizarre Laptop Problem

**Kensington** · 10-27-2005, 04:44 PM

Recently, my Dell Inspiron 1150 has stopped recognizing my power cord. At first everything is fine, but quickly the computer starts switching back and forth between AC and battery power. Eventually, it stops recognizing the power cord entirely. Then, once the battery drains, the computer enters hibernation mode and immediately starts charging the battery again.

Why is this happening?

Help me, please, those of you who know about this stuff...

**Patton** · 10-27-2005, 04:47 PM

hmm, is it possible that your power source is faulty? Mine is and it did that.

**Kensington** · 10-27-2005, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan Patton

hmm, is it possible that your power source is faulty? Mine is and it did that.

I'm thinking not, because of the fact that, as I wrote above, the *instant* the battery drains to nothing, the battery charge light comes on, and the battery starts charging normally. If the power source were faulty, the battery would never get charged because the computer would continue to stop recognizing the power cord, wouldn't it?

**Patton** · 10-27-2005, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Kensington

I'm thinking not, because of the fact that, as I wrote above, the *instant* the battery drains to nothing, the battery charge light comes on, and the battery starts charging normally. If the power source were faulty, the battery would never get charged because the computer would continue to stop recognizing the power cord, wouldn't it?

oh. sorry I missed that part.

**dimeshop** · 10-27-2005, 08:59 PM

That sounds like a software problem. Maybe you can reinstall the laptop power management stuff?

**Tim Simmons** · 10-27-2005, 09:14 PM

Try going into your control panel and setting the power management thingy to "Always On"

That's all I got...

**Kensington** · 10-28-2005, 06:09 AM

Bump for the morning crew. Help me figure out my irritating laptop problem, please!

**Lab-Rat** · 10-28-2005, 06:14 AM

I'm gonna say call Dell on this....especially if your system is still under warranty.

**Kensington** · 10-28-2005, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by Lab-Rat

I'm gonna say call Dell on this....especially if your system is still under warranty.

I've got the warranty and the service package; what I don't got is three hours to waste waiting on hold to talk with "Steve" or "David" who won't really understand my English anyway. Dell's customer service is lousy...

Plus, I'm betting that "Steve" or "Michael" won't understand the problem. That's why I'm some Bendis Board computer genius will be able to chime in and say "oh, yes, I know what that's all about. Tell them it's *this*" so that when I do make the inevitable, painful, call to Dell, it might be worth something.

**edwardmblake** · 10-28-2005, 07:23 AM

I've gone though this problem with some of our laptops here at work. Most likely you are going to have to get your mother board replaced.

Here is a link where other people have had similar problems:
http://geekswithblogs.net/jjulian/ar.../09/17171.aspx

When you call Dell, they will ask you to try some things out and it will take some time, but be patient. Get your case number and a call back number. Do what they ask and you will get a new motherboard and all should be right with the world.

Dell service can be frustrating as hell, but the alternative is buying a docking station or a new computer. Good luck!