Power Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 153) as you complete these checks.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
C H E C K T H E P O W E R L I G H T — When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby
C H A R G E T H E B A T T E R Y — The battery charge may be depleted.
1Reinstall the battery.
2Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3Turn on the computer.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y S T A T U S L I G H T — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.
If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell (see "Obtaining Assistance" on page 149).
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y T E M P E R A T U R E — If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the computer will not start up.
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E AC A D A P T E R — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Bypass power protection devices, power
strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I E S — See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 37.
R E S E A T T H E M E M O R Y M O D U L E S — If the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank, reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory Problems" on page 90).
Troubleshooting
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