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Inspiron 8500 thinks it is docked when it isn't.
When I boot up my Inspiron 8500 and it's not docked I get the following error message...
"The computer is docked and only battery power is detected.
This can happen if the power adapter is missing, the power cord is unplugged, or the computer is not properly connected to the docking station.
You should .....
Strike F1 key to shutdown"
I went into the BIOS and it shows as being undocked. If I plug in the AC adapter it will boot normally. I removed the docked profile and it still won't boot w/out AC. I read a couple of other posts w/ users of different models of Inspirons having the same issue and have only heard that replacing the motherboard is the only solution. @ ~$700 for Dell certified part or ~$500 for oem brand is really out of the question. I had to replace the battery already when _8_ days out of warranty. A plea to Customer Service was useless. Does any one have any idea what is causing this and why it seems to be a problem across multiple models? To me it seems like a design defect.
"The computer is docked and only battery power is detected.
This can happen if the power adapter is missing, the power cord is unplugged, or the computer is not properly connected to the docking station.
You should .....
Strike F1 key to shutdown"
I went into the BIOS and it shows as being undocked. If I plug in the AC adapter it will boot normally. I removed the docked profile and it still won't boot w/out AC. I read a couple of other posts w/ users of different models of Inspirons having the same issue and have only heard that replacing the motherboard is the only solution. @ ~$700 for Dell certified part or ~$500 for oem brand is really out of the question. I had to replace the battery already when _8_ days out of warranty. A plea to Customer Service was useless. Does any one have any idea what is causing this and why it seems to be a problem across multiple models? To me it seems like a design defect.
- Have you tried to boot it up plugged to AC and then unplug it? (of course with the battery on), it seems that it has solved the problem for some people. I have bought an Inspiron 8500 about a 18 months ago and I'm using it plugged/unplugged docked/undocked and no problems so far.
Regards,
- german - Yep, I know that works. But don't you think it's strange that this problem seems to be common across multiple models? Smells like a lemon to me. It seems pretty Classless not to take Action on the problem. I guess it Suits them.
My wife who is in the law profession has my old i4000 is in need of a new laptop. I am gathering information on other makes and models as well especially Dells and checking failure rates, history and if the problems are reoccuring. - Your lucky then. It will solve your problem but I will be interested to know if the problem returns. For your sake I hope it doesn't and I hope you did get the extra warranty. I used the port replicator only at night for the first year and for the last 3 months left it plugged in most of the time.
After paying $2500 for this laptop 18 months ago I can not see paying another 700 for MB, 100 for replicator and 80 for ac adaptor. My wife needs a new laptop and I guess I'll be getting a replacement one too. I will get the added warranty but they won't be from Dell. - I'm sorry to hear that for your sake but it shows it most likely being a flaw in the board. My wife got a Sony Vaio instead but I'm not all that happy with it either so the search continues for a good quality laptop with a company that stands behind it.
johnallg
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Posted January 20th, 2005 01:00