I am using the original power adapter with the Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop and now when it boots up I get the following error message.
The AC power adapter type cannot be determined. You system will operate slower and the battery will not charge.
Please connect a Dell 65 W AC adapter or higher for best system operation. To resolve this issue, try to reseat the power adapter."
I don't have another power supply or laptop to try.
Is there a way to test the power supply, or whatever the computer uses to determine the power supply size?
Answer
Having just paid over £100 to have the the power board inside my daughter's Inspiron replaced and had the explanation confirmed by the Dell engineer, here is what happens:
The power connector consists of 3 pins, 2 are power and earth, the 3rd is a signal line to identify the PSU as a compatible (Dell) unit. If the Laptop does not get the signal, it does not allow the PSU to charge the battery, it will, however, allow it to power the laptop. The fault is a common one and happens because the plug sits so proud from the side of the laptop that it constantly gets knocked and causes the connector on the power board to fail, most commonly open circuiting the signal line.
To clarify, the power board on some Inspiron models is a separate unit to the motherboard and has the power socket mounted directly on it.
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