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    AC adapter question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jgarrett8, Jul 5, 2008.

  1. jgarrett8

    jgarrett8 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Dell 9100 that won't charge a battery. I thought the last battery I got was defective so I exchanged it, but the computer still dies instantly once on battery power. I am replacing this computer anyway, but it would be nice if I could still unplug it when I want to use it. I have been told that it is probably a motherboard short that is too expensive to fix, but that it might be a bad AC adapter.

    Does anyone know of a place with cheap, older ac adapters and also a great return policy? I will probably want to return it right away, but I think it is worth trying. Also, if someone has another possible fix, I would be glad to hear it.
     
    jgarrett8, Jul 5, 2008
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  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Their is a very easy way to find out which is broken.
    You are correct, in which their are only two ways a working battery doesnt charge:
    1) the power adaptor is faulty
    2) the charging circuit on the motherbaord has died or has been shorted.

    If you have a digital voltmeter, you are in luck.
    If possible, stick the voltmeter into the battery bay, and try to get the red and black pointers onto the leads of the jack which plugs into the battery.
    Try different combinations, and if any voltage comes out of it, than the problem is related to your battery.
    however if no power is coming out of the port than the charging circuit or the ac adaptor are dead.

    You also need to test the output of the acadaptor. Their should be current flowing out of every combination you use the voltmeter on. If there is not, than that means that the charging transformer in your ac adaptor has fried, preventing the motherboard from getting the power it needs to charge the battery.

    If you cant get it to work, part out your old system, sell the parts individually and you will get more money from your system, to pay for a new system.

    I hope this makes sense

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jul 5, 2008
    #2
  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    If the AC adaptor is able to power the computer, with or without the battery in, then the AC adaptor must be in fairly good health.

    You can use the battery page of RMclock to see the battery information and if the battery is being charged.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jul 5, 2008
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