AC Adapter Help

[MadBadger]

Alright, so heres the deal. I plugged in an older ac adapter to charge my computer. It worked, but now when I try to plug in the one that came with my system, it says that the power adapter type cannot be determined and I need to plug in the type of adapter I'm currently using. It doesnt charge the computer, but keeps the charge steady. Any ideas?

[CabalPowered]

1. Did the adapter specs match?

Have you tried a different battery?

[Egnever]

2. not sure what you mean by

"It doesnt charge the computer, but keeps the charge steady."

Sounds like the adapter isnt putting out the correct voltage anymore though. Try moving the socket its plugged into? Is it on a strip?

[trotsky]

3. I agree with Egnever.

Maybe your old adapter is failing. You may also want to check if there is a BIOS update for your system; all the charging and battery info is usually controlled at that level and they may have fixed a bug caused by switching adapters like that.

[hunter]

4. Most laptop AC adapters these days are "smart." They talk to the computer.

Laptops will often accept foreign adapters or adapters that don't talk, but they won't use these to charge the batteries, partly because lithium batteries are fussy and dangerous when mis-charged, and partly to discourage competition.

It may be your original A.C. adapter has stopped talking or the computer has stopped listening.

Inside the A.C. adapter is a little chip that does the talking but these adapters are sealed shut and not made to be repairable.

During the time of flaming batteries and laptops that stopped charging manufacturers sent out huge numbers of warranty replacement A.C. adapters as their first response to a laptop that wouldn't charge.