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    Alienware M17x R3 - "Plugged in, not charging" issue

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Flashman_84, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. Flashman_84

    Flashman_84 Newbie

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    Hi all, after searching for countless hours on this website and several others, I decided to see if anyone out there has found any info on this issue. For those unfamiliar with it, my battery will not charge. The A/C adapter is plugged in, but the computer will not recognize the adapter as a compatible device and will not charge. My battery is at 0%, and the battery icon in the task bar reads "plugged in, not charging". This also causes my computer to run at half graphic capability so that almost any game I play, even on the lowest graphics setting, is very choppy with an extremely low FPS refresh rate. This was a common problem for the R2 model that was fixed with the A10 bios update, but I have yet to find a solid fix or even work-a-round for the R3 model. I've tried all the hotfixes listed below:

    -Popped battery out for 5 seconds, and back in while A/C is plugged in.
    -Left battery out for hours, than popped back in.
    -Toggled the fn+F2 function several times.
    -Unplugged the battery, unpluggled the A/C, (computer is turned off, obviously) held down the power button for 1 minute, than plugged everything back in and turned the laptop back on.
    -Tried different Battery.
    -Tried different A/C adapter.

    I am beyond frustrated and have had nothing but problem after problem with this laptop. I just want to be able to game on it decently until I can afford to build a solid desktop for my new place. I'd even take a workaround that would allow me to keep the laptop plugged in but not divert any power from it and have the graphics run as normal. I rarely played it without being plugged in in the first place. Thanks for your time, and thank you in advance for any help anyone can provide.

    Sincerely,
    Sean
     
    Flashman_84, Apr 14, 2012
    #1
  2. Ishmum

    Ishmum Notebook Enthusiast

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    Have you tries messing with the power plans on the computer?
    Try setting it to high power
     
    Ishmum, Apr 15, 2012
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  3. Flashman_84

    Flashman_84 Newbie

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    Yup, i've done that setting everything to max performance, and i'm still getting around 20fps and lower on most games.
     
    Flashman_84, Apr 15, 2012
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  4. Ishmum

    Ishmum Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ouch, try calling dell. Mist of the time they are helpful

    worste case scenario-- hardware damage :(
     
    Ishmum, Apr 15, 2012
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  5. TostitoBandito

    TostitoBandito Notebook Evangelist

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    1. Is the charging behavior enabled in the system BIOS? I assume yes, but figured I'd make sure. I personally have this set to off most of the time since my computer is typically plugged in as a desktop replacement. It results in the same "plugged in, not charging" message which always appears on mine.

    2. Buy a new power adapter, or call Dell to get it replaced if under warrantly. You can almost certainly find some genuine ones on ebay for much less than Dell charges.
     
    TostitoBandito, Apr 15, 2012
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  6. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Flashman_84, try this. It used to work for me on an M17x R2 that suffered from this issue.

    • Open Device Manager
    • Expand the tree for "Batteries" by clicking the triangle
    • Select Microsoft-ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery (click on it)
    • Right-click and select "Uninstall"
    • Close Device Manager
    • Reboot

    If this works, when Windows loads it will re-install this device and it will begin charging.
     

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    Mr. Fox, Apr 16, 2012
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