Quick Laptop Battery Question

Raven_k42

Afternoon All

I have a Samsung laptop - 5 years old but still grand for me needs. The battery charges when laptop is off...but when I'm using it the "plug" icon flashes and and text says (when I place cursor over icon)..."plugged-in, not charging". Last night I took the batter out...and the laptop works fine when plugged-in directly.

I haven't experienced this situation before...but I guess the battery is knackered ??. At least I know the power supply connects/works. I'm tempted to order a replacement rather than pay for the PC to be checked and then told I need a battery.

Does this make sense ??.

Thanks,
Kevin

mordeith

Do you often need to use the laptop when not mains powered? How long does it last on battery power when it is charged?

Raven_k42

While at home I'm OK without the battery...but I do need to be a bit mobile so couldn't survive fully without a battery.

Now lasts maybe 2-3 hours when I'm using the laptop before I get "battery saver mode" messages and I can visibly see the battery icon reducing.

Thanks for getting back as well !.

K

mordeith

Raven_k42 wrote: »

While at home I'm OK without the battery...but I do need to be a bit mobile so couldn't survive fully without a battery.

Now lasts maybe 2-3 hours when I'm using the laptop before I get "battery saver mode" messages and I can visibly see the battery icon reducing.

Thanks for getting back as well !.

K

That's decent battery life for a laptop of that age. Makes me think a new battery might solve the original issue?

Taylor365

mordeith wrote: »

That's decent battery life for a laptop of that age. Makes me think a new battery might solve the original issue?

I'd say that's exceptional battery life for a 5 year old laptop.

I replaced mine recently and it doesn't last more than 2 hours. (probably a dud battery, but that is the lottery with replacing them)

ED E

3Yrs would be the working life of such a pack, at 5yrs its like you being 85 - getting on in years.

A new pack is a great idea.

mordeith

mordeith wrote: »

That's decent battery life for a laptop of that age. Makes me think a new battery might solve the original issue?

Quoting myself here because I meant to say it might not solve the issue.
A bit odd that it charges when the laptop is off but not when on and that the battery itself seems to hold the charge fine when it has been charged?

Alanstrainor

mordeith wrote: »

Quoting myself here because I meant to say it might not solve the issue.
A bit odd that it charges when the laptop is off but not when on and that the battery itself seems to hold the charge fine when it has been charged?

Yeah, something is not right here.

OP, are you using the Samsung charger that came with the laptop, or are you using some other one?

Batteries get funny when they get old. But usually I'd expect them to no longer hold a charge, and then cause weird messages about not charging the laptop. But I think it is a bit odd for the OP's situation where the battery still holds 3 hours of charge.

Steve F

Raven_k42 wrote: »

Afternoon All

I have a Samsung laptop - 5 years old but still grand for me needs. The battery charges when laptop is off...but when I'm using it the "plug" icon flashes and and text says (when I place cursor over icon)..."plugged-in, not charging". Last night I took the batter out...and the laptop works fine when plugged-in directly.

I haven't experienced this situation before...but I guess the battery is knackered ??. At least I know the power supply connects/works. I'm tempted to order a replacement rather than pay for the PC to be checked and then told I need a battery.

Does this make sense ??.

Thanks,
Kevin

In reply to: "Plugged in, not charging"
THIS IS THE SOLUTION AND IT WILL TAKE 90 SECONDS TO FIX

Power management software in Windows

Understanding battery charging issues
.
Uninstalling and reinstalling power management software in Windows
In order to correct problems with the battery's power management software, follow the steps below.
1. Click Start and type device in the search field, then select Device Manager .
2. Expand the Batteries category.
3. Under the Batteries category, right-click the Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery listing, and select Uninstall .
WARNING: Do not remove the Microsoft AC Adapter driver or any other ACPI compliant driver.
4. On the Device Manager taskbar, click Scan for hardware changes .
Alternately, select Action > Scan for hardware changes .
Windows will scan your computer for hardware that doesn't have drivers installed, and will install the drivers needed to manage your battery's power. The notebook should now indicate that the battery is charging.