16 Quick Reference Guide
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
See "Configuring Power Management Settings" in your User’s Guide for information about accessing
QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
Charging the Battery
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely
discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer
with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal
circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room
temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your User’s Guide.
Removing the Battery
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the
electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any
other external cables from the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the media bay, see "Media Bay" in
your User’s Guide.
To remove the battery:
1
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
2
Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3
Slide the two battery-bay latch releases on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery
from the bay.