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kvalesky

3 Posts

19645

November 14th, 2012 19:00

Dell power error

I have a dell M1330 laptop. recently, it started displaying the following error:

The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined.

The battery may not charge.

The system will adjust the performance to match the power available.

Please connect a dell 65 W AC adapter or greater for best performance.

Strike the F3 key (before F1 or F2) if you do not want to see power warning messages again.

Strike the F1 key to continue, the F2 to run setup utility

Press F5 to run onboard diagnostics.

I can use the laptop only if my power adapter is plugged in. I have the factory adapter and battery. I have not updated the BIOS ever. I tried via the website but it keeps saying it's only compatible on vista and internet explorer. I took the battery out and took out the charger and held the power button for 15 sec and that didn't work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

DELL-Chinmay S

1.8K Posts

November 14th, 2012 20:00

Hi,

You can check for the AC adapter status under 'Battery info', 'Battery health' in BIOS and if you get the same error in BIOS, you can load the BIOS defaults. 

To access the BIOS:

  • Restart the computer.
  • As soon as you see the blue Dell logo start tapping ‘F2’ key.
  • If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows appears, then continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Now shutdown your computer and try again.
  • After this a new window would appear. You can only use the arrow keys of the keyboard to navigate between the options as the mouse is not functional in this mode.
  • Under 'Battery info' check for the status of AC adapter. 

  

  • If you get the same error there, you can load BIOS defaults.
  • Navigate to the 'Maintenance' tab.
  • Highlight and Hit Enter on 'Load defaults'. 
  • Follow the prompts and restart your computer.

You can download and install the latest BIOS from link: http://dell.to/TFBRYy . It is compatible with Windows 7 and Vista. 

Note: Make sure the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charged 10% or above to update the BIOS. Also, disconnect all the external peripherals before updating the BIOS. All other programs should be closed and documents saved.

I have added you as a friend. Please accept my friend request by clicking on my name highlighted in blue and then click on “Friends” tab at the top and then click on “Request to Review” and finally click on “Accept” button.

I am sending you a private message as well. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system records and check for further course of action. You could also click on Start Conversation to send a private message.

kvalesky

3 Posts

November 17th, 2012 16:00

Hey, I did not get a message from you for me service tag. thanks

MicroTest

934 Posts

November 17th, 2012 16:00

While you are waiting for "DELL-Chinmay S" response (he might be out of office over the weekend)I can provide you with some more information:

Read DELL-Terry B's post

en.community.dell.com/.../19369809.aspx

and watch the video

kvalesky

3 Posts

November 17th, 2012 16:00

when I did what you said to do, i still got the same error message upon restarting the computer. also, in the set up utility it says it cannot read my batter info

DELL-Chinmay S

1.8K Posts

November 20th, 2012 02:00

Hi Kvalesky,

Thank you for your quick response. It is most likely an issue with the motherboard or charging port of your computer. I have received the Service tag of your computer and would like to inform you that warranty of your computer has expired. You can get in touch with any local technician or Dell OWR department at: http://dell.to/Qdhrup to get the issue resolved. 

@Microtest:Thank you for assisting the customer. 

Please reply for further clarifications. 

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