Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning, then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately

90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level.

You can change the settings for the battery alarms in Dell QuickSet or the Power Options window (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60).

Microsoft® Windows® XP Battery Meter

The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Battery Meter

The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.

Conserving Battery Power

To conserve battery power on your portable computer, do any of the following:

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible; battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

Configure the power management settings using Microsoft Windows Power Options to optimize your computer’s power usage (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60).

Use the Standby or Sleep Mode power state when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see "Standby and Sleep Mode" on page 59).

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Using a Battery

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Dell PP26L owner manual Conserving Battery Power, Low-Battery Warning, Microsoft Windows XP Battery Meter