Laptop User Manual

Troubleshooting 123
CHARGE THE BATTERY — The battery charge may be depleted.
1
Reinstall the battery.
2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3 Turn 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
HECK THE BATTERY STATUS LIGHT — If the battery status light flashes amber
or is a steady amber, the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the
computer to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light flashes blue and amber, 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 amber, the battery may be defective.
Contact Dell
(see "Contacting Dell" on page 177).
CHECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE — If the battery temperature is below
0°C (32°F), the computer will not start.
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by
testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the
AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Bypass power
protection devices, power strips, and extension cables to verify that the
computer turns on.
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights,
halogen lamps, or other appliances.
ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on page 50.
RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES — If the computer power light turns on, but
the display remains blank, reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on
page 147).