Member Avatar for dragonfyre2825

Make: Dell Inspiron 1720

Howdy,

I have a windows vista laptop that has started to have some odd behavior relating to power.

When the laptop is plugged in (cord to wall) and the battery is in, the laptop will shut down within a few minutes. If the computer is running just off battery it will last until the battery is low. The cord will charge the battery if the laptop has been shut down.

I have tried swapping the external cords with another dell inspiron 1720 laptop. The same issues are exhibited. (which is why I posted in the Vista forum) I am wondering if this is:

  • Something people have heard of before
  • Something dealing with Vista's power settings
  • Fixable

I would surely appreciate any guidance or advice.

Regards,
N

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by 6yrGSD

Dani AI

Generated

Brief expert summary tied to the thread: the symptom pattern — Dell Inspiron 1720 runs normally on battery alone, but shuts down within minutes when AC is connected with the battery installed, and the adapter will only charge the battery while the machine is powered off — points more strongly at the charging/DC-in hardware or the battery itself than at Vista power-plan settings or simple overheating. and raised useful possibilities; below are targeted, non-redundant tests and next steps that narrow the fault quickly.

Step-by-step diagnostics (do them in order and note results):

  • Remove the battery and boot on AC only. If the laptop is stable, that implicates the battery or the charging circuit; if it still shuts down, suspect the adapter/DC jack or motherboard power circuitry.
  • Swap adapters with a known-good unit and observe which device shows the problem: if the problem follows the adapter to the other laptop, the adapter is bad; if it stays with the Inspiron, the fault is in the laptop. (This clarifies the swap you already tried.)
  • Boot to BIOS or a USB Live environment (no Vista). If the machine powers off in BIOS/Live, it is hardware; if not, it could still be a driver/OS issue.
  • Check Windows Event Viewer for abrupt power events: run 
    eventvwr.msc

    and inspect the System log for "Kernel‑Power" or ACPI error entries around the shutdown time.

Practical inspection and safety notes: look for a loose/wobbly DC jack, corroded battery contacts, or a bulging battery. If comfortable and safe, verify the adapter output with a multimeter against the rating printed on the brick (unplug before touching contacts). Do not attempt board‑level repairs unless experienced with electronics and ESD precautions.

If tests point to hardware: replace the adapter or battery first (cheapest). If the DC jack or onboard charging circuitry is faulty, a jack resolder or board repair/replacement will be required; contact Dell or a trusted repair shop. If all tests still look softwarey, update BIOS and chipset drivers as a low-cost next step.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for Master Rattley

I suggest it is a physical problem, i doubt it has to do with Vista. Check your power supply, see if it is all in order. Also it could just be a faulty port, or some such. Eliminate the possible problems to find your answer.

Member Avatar for chrishea

You may have a cooling problem. When you run on the battery, it is no-doubt running on a lower power setting. You could try changing your power settings to run much leaner when on AC power. Then you can see if it still shuts down on AC. Obviously, cleaning the fan would be a good idea. You might want to get this fan utility:
http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/

Member Avatar for Master Rattley

What he said. lol :P

Member Avatar for 6yrGSD

Doesn't sound like a too complicated issue, if you have a General look at the problem and Study it, you should do fine

Also probably cooling

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