Dell inspiron AC adapter problems?

Question

I have had my Dell Inspiron 1501 for nearly 13months now, and about three weeks ago i started to get this message when i started up my comp before the startup screen (copied word for word from warning message):

"Warning:

The AC adapter type cannot be determined. This will prevent optimal system performance. Please check Ac adapter connect properly, remove AC adapter and plug-in it again,

Thanks.

Press any key to continue

Press <F2> 2 times to enter Setup

Press <F12> and Any key to enter Boot Menu"

I follow the instruction but just get the menu again, my computer's battery will not charge, though as long as i stay plugged into the Adapter i get power from it, but the battery does not charge, it remains at its last charge level 42%

My question is this: Is this defiantly a problem with my adapter, because it is rather expensive to replace, or is this a battery problem? I have contacted dell and they just forward me to a sells representative, i dont really have the money to buy both so if anyone knows anything about this problem or any advice, i would greatly appreciate it,

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is an issue with the AC adapter only. Try to reseat the adapter and the power cables and check it its working. If not we can do a BIOS update. We once resolved this issue by doing a BIOS update for the system from www.support.dell.com. But in most other cases we had to replace the AC adapter. Check out the link below. Hope my answer helped you

-Dell Tech Support

8006249896