Have I damaged my laptop battery?

BinkyTheHorse

Looking for advice regarding charging my laptop.

The original adapter was damaged ( the part that plugs into the computer got a large chip in it (no idea how!)) and I had continued using it as it seemed to be working fine, just difficult to locate when plugging in. A couple of days ago it stopped charging - the light on the adapter would come on when it was plugged into the mains but would go out and the adapter beeped if I plugged it into my laptop. I coudn't find the adapter online so I spoke with someone on Dell chat and they gave me a part number - I ordered and it came today.

Whilst not the same as the original adapter, it is the same in spec (90w, PA-10 family). When I plugged it in I had a message come up saying that it did not recognise the adapter. The laptop is now running if I have it plugged into the mains but it isn't charging the battery.

I'm not sure if i have the wrong charger, or if there is something wrong with the battery. Is there anyway to find out if the battery is ok? I have a Dell Studio 17 if thats any help!

Sorry if this is a dumb question - I'm useless with anything like this!

Thanks for reading

Hammyman

All Dell chargers are the same - the only thing that changes is the wattage which means that it'll maybe take longer to charge if you get a lower rated one.

HOWEVER did you get an original Dell or a clone? Some of those on Ebay are copies. Dell laptops are very fussy about both batteries and chargers and aftermarket ones aren't always compatible even though the voltage and current ratings are right.

BinkyTheHorse

Thanks for the reply, Hammyman.

It is an original Dell, bought from them online.

When you say that aftermarket chargers aren't always compatable, does that mean that it is likely that it will be ok to run it from the mains but I probably won't be able to charge up the battery anymore:( (I suppose if this is the case then it will save me the better part of £117 to replace the battery)

Again, sorry if silly question!

tronator

Hammyman wrote: »

All Dell chargers are the same...

I wouldn't let it stand like this. I've seen Dell changing the plug over the years. Maybe they're the same for their current modells, but I wouldn't say "all".

I have also seen Dell laptops complaining about the current of the used PSU if it was too low. After pressing a key it seemed to work though...

Hammyman

BinkyTheHorse wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, Hammyman.

It is an original Dell, bought from them online.

When you say that aftermarket chargers aren't always compatable, does that mean that it is likely that it will be ok to run it from the mains but I probably won't be able to charge up the battery anymore:( (I suppose if this is the case then it will save me the better part of £117 to replace the battery)

Again, sorry if silly question!

Dell laptops communicate with the charger and the battery. The charger reports its rating and the battery its health status. If an aftermarket one doesn't give the right response, the BIOS flags it as faulty and you usually get an orange or red flashing battery light.

Tronator....
I've sold a shedload of them over the past 12 months - usually around 10 a month being most models of Inspiron and Latitude from 2006 on. They've all had the same charge socket.

BinkyTheHorse

Hammyman wrote: »

Dell laptops communicate with the charger and the battery. The charger reports its rating and the battery its health status. If an aftermarket one doesn't give the right response, the BIOS flags it as faulty and you usually get an orange or red flashing battery light.

Again, thank you for the very helpful post.

The above is exactly what is happening, white light on for a split second, followed by one red light flash - then nothing. If I hit F1 then it will start up as normal but just not charge.

I guess that means I have to put up with it!

Thanks again

tronator

Hammyman wrote: »

Tronator....
I've sold a shedload of them over the past 12 months - usually around 10 a month being most models of Inspiron and Latitude from 2006 on. They've all had the same charge socket.

Then I'm longer in business than you...