Trouble with Formating and AC Adapter not recognized.

So adding to my long list of PC problems, trying to format it is turning out to be the worst though it will fix all but 1 of my problems. I have the Inspiron 1525 which I upgraded to 2GB of ram (not much but runs smoother then the original 1GB I had). As for the 1 problem formatting will not fix it's the AC Adapter which it will not recognize. It's the original that it came with aand it runs with the battery pulled but will not Recognize the adapter and thus charge the battery. Will that problem get fixed if I ever get it formatted?


Guess I should clear up my formatting problem as I can't access the option to format the PC well booting up the Computer. I get the option of F2 (setup) and F12 (where to boot windows from) then right to the screen saying that the AC adapter is not recognized. During the whole boot up process I am tapping F8 with no results. I've gone through setup about 15 times and can't find anything that remotely looks or sounds like it let me Format the system either. I'm wondering is there a different location I can go to or process to wipe the HDD and re-install windows or do I have a Dell Paper weight?

CK

 

The "Adapter not recognized" mess (especially if the machine won't run off the adapter) usually indicates some sort of motherboard power circuitry failure, which seems to be becoming more common on recent Dells... It can indicated a bad power brick, but just from what I've seen on NBR these past months, I'd vote against it. And no, letting it sit won't fix the problem. You'll either have to replace the motherboard or the adapter.

Formatting the hard drive is easy though. You need to boot from your Windows installation CD and then go find the formatting options; they are not built into the computer itself.

 

So power problem is permanent or rather till I scrap this Dell and get something better like an ACER (sorry mot much a Dell Fan) Though it DOES run off the adapter just will not Power the battery.....And I Have no Warranty anymore....If I ever had one. Didn't buy was Payment for Bathroom Remodeling.

As for the method you mentioned it sounds like a Direct re-install of windows. I want to WIPE my Drives first, but I'm computer illiterate and have no idea how to do that other then with F8 which isn't working. I did try it the way you said and it just wanted to install windows but not over the old one or anything and got the message that I don't have enough Memory to install windows. I hate computers some times....

 

Wow I thought poorly of my dell before now even less. CM I did what you recommended (from Boot up) and now I have a Dell paperweight. Keeps checking the C drive and locks up....going for my 3rd try....

 

Okay I finally got past the whole C-Drive locking up after going out all day and coming back relaxed and clear headed (5522 ft and awesome views sure helped). Only to encounter this message at 82%

I tried 4 times even cleaned the disk to no avail. Time for a new OS Disk? Or should I put the thing out of it's misery and mine? If a new OS Disk how much is that gonna cost me and wheres the cheapest place to go for one in Western Canada.

As for the power problem I think its the inline brick...the green light is hardly on....where as the other Laptop in the houses is glowing a bright green.

 

I had this problem on my studio 15, turns out it was the power brick. Call Dell up and have them ship you a new one.