Plugged in not charging 0% remaining
No seriously… WTF???I saw this for the first time today… TWICE! Two almost brand new laptops one HP and one ACER had the same symptoms. They were both plugged in and NOT charging! On $2000 toys office resources this is serious!
I looked on-line and could not find an answer anywhere. It seemed lots of people were complaining of the same issue. Some of them did bios updates, uninstalled Microsoft power drivers, went out and bought new batteries, chargers or sent their machine in for servicing.
I tried the not charging batteries on other machines and they were charging!
I popped them back one back into the Vista machine and it still was not charging. The other laptop was XP. But the machine was not even charging when it was shut down. So how could that be possible?
I have NO IDEA! But all I know is how I finally fixed the problem on one of the machines and then on the second. Is it some voo-do shit? Did I wish them better somehow?
I was convinced that it was not a hardware problem after reading people having the problem on their Mac Book Pro’s running Boot Camp.
I really don’t know what I did fixed it. All I did was this:
- Shut down the laptop with the battery in and plugged in.
- Remove the battery.
- Reboot the machine.
- I waited for Vista to come up and show the power icon.
- I then reinstalled the battery.
It still said Plugged in Not charging. Then I turned away to my desktop for a second to hit up Google a little more and I saw it change out of the corner of my eye…
Plugged in. Charging 1%
SWEET! I then replicated my steps for the other machine and just like that I was back in business. Anyone care to explain this Technology Voo-Do? Does this make sense to you? Am I missing something? No really hit me up in the comments because I am flabbergasted!
Update: Just back from a meeting and my laptop is reporting that the battery is at 100%! Woo-Hoo!
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about 2 years ago
Sadly most people realize this is not the case when they install xp over vista or run ubuntu. Check it out ans report back.
about 2 years ago
I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop, that has been working fine since 2 years. I recently switched from Windows Media Center to Vista Business (Bad move) and found my battery was never charged full. Now it says “1% available, (plugged in, charging) BUT IT IS NOT CHARGING!!! I never had this problem..and I am sure it has to be a problem with Vista. I changed all the power options/plans, but it still is not working. Help Please!
about 2 years ago
Can you charge your laptop while it is off? If not it is not a Vista issue. Most batteries have a 1-3 year life span.
about 2 years ago
No. I am unable to charge it even if the laptop is switched off. My battery is right now at 1% and now it says ” plugged in, not charging”.
about 2 years ago
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN SIMILER WAY. MINE SAYS PLUGGED IN NOT CHARGING AND TURNS OFF EVERY 3-5MINS EVENTHOUGH IT HAS LIKE 94-98% REMAING.
NOT GOD BUT ADMIN PLEASE HELP.
P.S.-I BOUGHT IT OVER CHRISTMAS ITSL LIKE 6MONTHS OLD AND NOTHING OBNOXIOUS HAPPEN.
about 2 years ago
6 months- then you are still under warranty. Call the manufacturer.
about 2 years ago
Then it is going to be the battery or your chgarger. How old is the machine?
about 2 years ago
Hello,
It seems that unplugging and cleaning the recepticle works fine for me, Thank god i dont have to buy a new battery!!!
about 2 years ago
HOPING FOR HELP. Dell inspiron 1420. Days out of warranty! ! ! Computer works fine while plugged in however it will not charge. Display shows error “plugged in, not charging” have read, and read and read, cant seem to find a fix. Need to be at 10% to flash bios im at 3… kinda stuck any help would be great.
about 2 years ago
Days out? Dell should still help. Call them on it. If not chances are you need to replace the battery.
about 2 years ago
I have a Dell Inspiron 1720, I have had the plugged in not charging off and on for a few weeks, last 5 days it has been on solid. My laptop is only a year old, I called Dell and they did the remote stuff over the net. They uploaded the latest bios version 09 if I remember right. I know it’s not the power suply because it runs/and charges my friends dell. After all the “cleaning up” the Dell rep did the problem is still there. So later tonight a Dell guy is suppose to come replace the mother board. I will update as to what happens.
I have read posts from many websites about all the fixes, all of what might be causing this. I don’t know, and I don’t want to try any fixes on my own since this will be dell’s problem until they can fix it.
Take care,
Eric
ps Yes I am as mad as all the others I know have this problem too.
about 2 years ago
update, the dell rep came and replaced the motherboard and the power cord. Every thing seems to be running correct now, and the performance issue is gone. I have to say I was impressed with dell’s customer service from the help over the net with live chat and remote attempt to fix it. As well as the dell repair guy coming to my work place on a night shift to fix it.
Good luck and I hope this helps others….if it fails again I will come back and update.
Eric
about 2 years ago
I have a Lenovo R61i had the same problem. popped out the battery, cleaned the contacts and poped it back in. Thank you! worked GREAT!
about 2 years ago
I have a 1525 and I was getting the same message. I was skeptical on all these “Fixes” but I did this and it start charging again.
1. Shut Down PC
2. Unplug AC Cord
3. Unplug Battery
4. Hold down the Power Button with No Battery or AC Adapter Plugged In for about 10 seconds
5. Plug AC Adapter In
6. Turn PC On
7. Insert Battery
8. should say charing
Hope this helps.
about 2 years ago
I’ve tried this! But it didn’t work for me.. I also updated BIOS to latest version, but that also didn’t work. I think there’s some problem with AC cord or I will have to replace the battery!
about 2 years ago
What is your operating system?
about 2 years ago
I am so glad we could help! what was the os and brand/model of laptop?
about 2 years ago
Windows Vista Ultimate!
about 2 years ago
That fits with the profile and how old is the battery?
about 2 years ago
I bought the laptop in May 2008. The problem aroused in Feb 09.
Model : Dell Inspiron 1526
about 2 years ago
I have a Dell Inspiron 910 that briefly had this problem. I just unplugged the battery, blew on it, and reinserted it. The problem was solved. Just sharing a success story.
about 2 years ago
THIS IS THE SOLUTION AND IT WILL TAKE 90 SECONDS TO FIX
Power management software in Windows Vista
Understanding battery charging issues
If the notebook battery is not charging or the notebook does not indicate that the battery is charging, the most likely scenario is that the battery itself is operating correctly, but its power management software may have become corrupt. In order to correct the problem, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the power management software by using the Device Manager. This document will explain how to uninstall and reinstall the ACPI Battery listings in Windows Vista, as well as how to obtain and install updated BIOS files, if needed to correct other battery issues.
Uninstalling and reinstalling power management software in Windows Vista
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.
about 2 years ago
I AM HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY LAPTOP BATTERY FOR MY HP. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE AVAILABLE HAS BEEN GRADUALLY GOING DOWN OVER TIME. MEANING THAT WITH THE AC CORD CONSTANTLY IN, THE BATTERY LIFE SAYS 77% AVAILABLE (PLUGGED IN, CHARGING). IT WILL NOT GO OVER 77% AVAILABLE EVEN WHEN I LEAVE THE AC CORD IN. A FEW WEEKS AGO, I NOTICED THAT IT WOULD MAX OUT AT 78% AVAILABLE, AND A CPLE WEEKS BEFORE THAT IT MAXED OUT AT 80% AVAILABLE. I HAVE ALWAYS LEFT IT PLUGGED IN BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS SLOWLY LOSING BATTERY POWER AND NOT RECHARGING. I AM AFRAID THAT 6 MONTHS FROM NOW THE MAX BATTERY LIFE THAT I CAN GET EVEN AFTER CHARGING WILL BE LIKE 7% AVAILABLE. IT SAYS PLUGGED IN AND CHARGING, YET THE % NEVER INCREASES. I HOPE PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING AND HELP EXPLAIN WHY I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THANKS,
about 1 year ago
hey guys stop reading right here i tried it and it worked so just :
Shut down computer
Unplug power cord
Remove Battery
Hold power button down 10 secs (to discharge connectors)
Insert battery
Turn on Machine
about 1 year ago
Is that really true and is that how big computer makers wanted it for all their laptop battiers. Because mind charged at percent in the begining with no problem. I got my laptop in the summer of 2008. I didn’t use it that much until I switch from dial up Comcast high speed, sometime last year. All of last yer their was no problem it would charge at any percent even 98% and even a little bit not 100% fully charged. I didn’t have plug the ac adapter and wait for it to go down to 80 something percent oof lower.
about 1 year ago
I did this and so far *knocks on wood* it’s working…
about 1 year ago
I’m having the same problem with a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527. I have tried virtually everything in this forum, including removing and reinstalling the ACPI battery tool, various combinations of unplugging/pulling the battery, and finally, updating the BIOS. Nothing worked. My machine’s out of warranty, but I called Toshiba anyway. The rep claimed that they’ve never heard of this problem (although if you Google “toshiba, plugged in not charging” you get nearly 31,000 results). Unbelievable.
about 1 year ago
Phewww- thanks for your advice. Done as you said and it’s just starting to charge again. x
about 1 year ago
This worked for me, and I was very surprised. I go through chargers every few months, mostly because I need a new connection jack (have the part, but not someone to do it for me for a NOT absolutely ridiculous and unrealistic price). This could be the problem with most of your computers. I have had many people tell me that DELL computers are TERRIBLE for power jacks going bad.
Like I said, this worked for me- but I won’t count on it working next time.
I won’t buy from DELL again. Seriously people, you shouldn’t either until they decide to put out computers worth having.
about 9 months ago
dude i so love u right now 2% now yah =D
about 9 months ago
Glad to help! What kind of system was it?
about 8 months ago
My HP pavilion was just new, but for some reason it was not holding power any more. If I unplug it will go off. I tried few things, remove the battery, clean it and many more things it cld not work. I run the check app on the computer it said i shld change the battery. The battery was charging but not holding power even 4 a sec. I called the Hp they said 150 for a new battery.
I decided 2 use my laptop with the ac adaptor for almost 2 years. Few days ago I clicked on the sleep comand, when i turn on back I saw that the battery charged 100% which it was not doing 4 close 2 two years. On the second day I tried 2 unplug the cord and the laptop was still on, and since then my battery seams to be back to life after 2 years of strugle with the cord every where.
Cld it be the sleep command helped to resolve the problem I had after so many years?
about 7 months ago
hi i have vista laptop .its showing pluged in charging.bt no charging.when turn off pc then its charging and i can use with saves energy help me to use with pluged in.pls
about 7 months ago
admin tell me something pls i have a new battery too help me
about 7 months ago
So I skeptically tried this… No kidding… This tip (in the blog entry) worked for me!!
Appears to be an issue with the software recognizing the charging…
about 6 months ago
i having the same problem whit my acer aspire but my BATTERY LIFE SAYS 39% AVAILABLE (PLUGGED IN, CHARGING). IT WILL NOT GO OVER 39% AVAILABLE EVEN WHEN I LEAVE THE AC CORD IN.
about 6 months ago
Was having the ‘plugged in (not charging)’ problem on my acer aspire 5738Z. Just did the battery removal proceedure above and now seems to be charging ok. Thanks for the help.
about 3 months ago
So, you’re solution didn’t work for me (had tried similar from another website), but badboynab’s solution in the comments did the trick. I’m glad I found your post. :)
about 2 months ago
#15 worked for my HP 8510p.
Thanks a lot, Jen!
Here it is again.
Shut down computer
Unplug power cord
Remove Battery
Hold power button down 10 secs (to discharge connectors)
Insert battery
Turn on Machine
That worked for me too on my HP Pavilion. Glad it was an easy fix.