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Unknown AC Adaptor Installed

post #1 of 6
6/5/07 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
When I boot up my i9300 I get a message informing me that the AC Adaptor is unknown and the laptop does not run at full power. I have two questions. First, what could be causing this problem? I got a refurbished motherboard from Dell a few months ago, but it is 30 days after so no more warranty. My next question is if there is a way to make the notebook run at full speed even though the AC is unknown.
Thanks
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post #2 of 6
6/6/07 at 7:57am
Try a different power adapter. Sometimes that's all it is. If another adapter doesn't fix it then it could be your motherboard.
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post #3 of 6
6/7/07 at 8:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ev4n View Post
When I boot up my i9300 I get a message informing me that the AC Adaptor is unknown and the laptop does not run at full power. I have two questions. First, what could be causing this problem? I got a refurbished motherboard from Dell a few months ago, but it is 30 days after so no more warranty. My next question is if there is a way to make the notebook run at full speed even though the AC is unknown.
Thanks
What do you mean by full speed?
I'm guessing you're talkin about the videocard...
You may not be able to run it at full speed but you would be able to increase the speed by flashing the card. Unfortunately, you'd have to change 2d/throttle/3d because drivers like to mix and match settings from different fields if it feels certain settings are unstable.
It would just be easier to try to find a new power brick as you wouldn't even be able to charge the computer if you did this...
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post #4 of 6
6/8/07 at 12:16pm
Hello,

My name is Mike, I’m a Technical Analyst located at Dell corporate headquarters in Round Rock, TX. I’m part of an internet outreach team developed to interact with the online community regarding technical questions and issues that customers face with Dell products. I read the problem you’re having and wanted to offer some help.
<O
The first thing I would check would be to make sure that the pin inside of the AC adapter has not been bent or broken off while plugging it into the back of the notebook. Just unplug the adapter from the back of the notebook and take a look at the pin, if all looks good then we can move forward.
<O
Next, look at the actual AC port on the notebook for any physical damage (unlikely, but still a possibility worth eliminating.) If that all looks good then lets go back to the adapter and check the cord itself for any damage. Make sure it’s not split or fraying anywhere and that it has no severe bends or kinks.
<O
As suggested by Mr. Evil, if you have another 90 watt AC adapter available give it a try and see if it helps at all. If you try one and get the same error message then the motherboard needs to be replaced. If another AC adapter works fine then the problem is with the original adapter. In all honesty it is more likely that the AC adapter is what needs to be replaced.
<O
You can locate a replacement adapter on our website or by calling 1-800-357-3355 with your service tag ready. I would also recommend that you shop around online, but I would sincerely urge you to only use the proper rated adapter (90 watt D-series) with the Dell logo as these are proven to safely work with our systems. I hope this information helps and I wish you the best.
<O
Thank you,
<O
Mike
Dell customer advocate
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post #5 of 6
6/8/07 at 9:07pm
The adapters are known for having a communication issues. The 1st thing to do is disconnect the adapter from the wall, turn off the laptop completely, and remove the battery. Hook everything back up & see if it is still reporting the unknown adapter issue.

If it is the likely culprit is your AC adapter. I have 2 sitting around the house that are not recognized & do not charge the battery. You can purchase a new adapter through Dell or through a place like Ebay or http://www.parts-people.com/
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post #6 of 6
6/11/07 at 12:39pm
Yea, having an unknown AC adapter makes your computer act like it has an endless battery. Download NHC (Notebook Hardware Control) and set battery options to max performance to make it run like it does when it has a correct AC adapter. That will solve everything but the charging issue for the time being.

I've been through at least 4 AC adapters, all with the same problem. I think if you don't keep the block cool or stretch out the end it'll short or something. Anywho, a new AC adapter always fixes the problem for me. It may be the DC jack acting up but that eventually means dealing with a lengthy and arduous soldering job or replacing the motherboard.
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