Your Laptop Battery is not performing as expected

Article ID : 266437 Date Published : 2009-09-17 Journal ID : 349152b1-1bbe-4370-a3fb-5d48da82566f

Steps to improve your batteries performance

Article
and factors that effect your batteries power
Summary:
consumption.

Table of Contents:

1. Factors that affect battery performance

2. Check the Battery Health in the BIOS
3. Change the Power Plan
4. Update the BIOS
5. Run a Battery Diagnostic
6. Contact Us

Step 1: Factors that affect battery performance

The following factors affect battery performance:

 Processor speed - Enabling features such as Intel SpeedStep® or AMD

PowerNow!™ extends battery life by automatically adjusting the processor
speed to meet system demands. These features are typically enabled by
default on computers that support them.
 CD, DVD, CD-RW and hard drive access frequency - Moving files and
programs directly to the hard drive, when possible, reduces the number of
devices requiring battery power. Adding more memory can also help by
reducing the need to use a swap file on the hard drive.
 Programs - Running only the programs that are necessary reduces
demands on the system processor and memory. Programs that cause
intensive use of the processor and drives (such as playing a DVD movie or
3D games) can more than halve the amount of time that the computer can
be used on battery power.
 LCD brightness - Lowering the brightness of the LCD screen reduces the
amount of power required by the screen. To adjust the brightness of the
LCD screen, press <Fn>+<Up Arrow> to increase the brightness or
<Fn>+<Down Arrow> to decrease the brightness on the LCD display
panel.
 Backlit keyboard - Turning off or halfing the brightness of your backlit
 keyboard can conserve battery power for when you are using your
computer. Typically to adjust the brightness of the backlit keyboard, press
<Fn>+<Right Arrow> to cycle through two brightness settings and the off
setting.
 Power management - Set the computer to enter suspend or hibernate
when idle to conserve battery power when the computer is not being used.
 Battery age - A battery's average life expectancy is 1 year. After this time, it
is normal to experience a decrease in battery life.

 Battery age/life is in no way shortened, when the portable computer is

directly connected to AC Power (power outlet) and continuously used for
long period of time. The reason is that the system motherboard
automatically stops power flow to battery, as soon the battery is fully
charged.

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Step 2: Check the Battery Health in the BIOS

For Instructions on how to check the Battery Health, see the Owner's Manual or
User's Guide.
Click here for the Manual
If your battery is no longer healthy, Click here to purchase a replacement battery
If you are within warranty, Click here to Contact us.

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Step 3: Change the Power Plan

Dell Recommended: Microsoft has provided an Automated Troubleshooter for

Windows 7. It can resolve some common problems with power consumption.
Click the "Automated Troubleshooter" link below, then click Run in the File
Download dialog box and follow the steps in the wizard. This is only for
Microsoft Windows 7. Below will tell you which version of Microsoft Windows
you are using.

Dell Support could not identify your operating system.

Click here for the Windows 7 Power Settings Automated Troubleshooter (English
only)
To change your power plan, first minimize all open windows. Next press the < F1
> key, and Type Power Management in the search box.
Select the appropriate link for instructions on how to change your power plan.
Dell recommends that you use the Dell Recommended power plan for optimal
performance.
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Step 4: Update the BIOS

An out of date BIOS can cause Unknown AC Adapter issues.

Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and input your Service Tag to get
updates specific to your computer.
If you need assistance in Downloading and Installing Drivers or BIOS. Click here
for Installation Instructions
Cick Here to Launch the Dell Drivers and Downloads Website
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Step 5: Run a Battery Diagnostic

To run a Battery Diagnostic click here to start the Battery Diagnostic.

Notice:
At this time, Dell PC Diagnostics can only run using
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher. If you’re not
using Internet Explorer, please close your browser and
open this article in Internet Explorer.
Also, Dell PC Diagnostics can only assess and
troubleshoot your system’s hardware. If you’re
experiencing virus issues, you may want to consult with
your virus protection provider.

You can run a full Diagnostic by visiting www.dell.com/support/diagnostic and

clicking on the
Run Diagnostic
button to start the Dell PC Diagnostics.

Step 6: Contact Us

Contact Dell Technical Support.

Click Here to Contact Technical Support
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