AboutTroy M. MCSE, CNA, MCP, CST, IC3, Aplus Expertise Hi there! Even though I am new around here, I have been having great fun with PCs for over two decades now, becoming familiar with Windows through versions 3.x/9x/Me/2000/XP/2003. I enjoy helping others with what I feel is an exciting industry - computers are always changing, improving and offering new opportunities for learning.
I look forward to assisting you with questions concerning Windows, how it interacts with your PC Hardware, configuration/settings or just general tips and ideas.
Besides troubleshooting questions, feel free to ask the basics, as well. I will always start there, and I firmly believe that there is no such thing as a dumb question - we are all ‘Beginners’ at one time or another!
Experience I am an Aplus Certified [the 'plus sign' is unviewable here currently], Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with Computer Service Technician and LAN Administration diplomas and 10 years direct experience with PCs including assembly, troubleshooting/support and upgrading.
I have worked for retail outlets, schools and businesses, and have been an Instructor in the past as well – helping others, just like you, understand and enjoy computers!
Education/Credentials MCSE
(Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), CNA
(Certified Novell Administrator), MCP
(Microsoft Certified Professional), CST (Computer Service Technician (Formerly Computer Engineering Technician)(Hardware/OS servicing Diploma), IC3 (Internet and Core Computing Certification)(Hardware/OperatingSystem/Internet Fundamentals Certification), Aplus [the 'plus sign' is unviewable here currently](Computing Technology Industry Association Hardware/Operating System Certification)
Question I have a laptop and I have it plugged in, but the batttery charging icon on the laptop alternates between green and orange. The charging icon on the task bar has been "stuck" at 47% for a couple of days, and, when I pull the charging plug out of the laptop, the computer goes off, and will not turn back on when I push the on button, UNLESS I plug the charging cord back in.
Answer Hi Larry,
It sounds like your battery, and although it could be the laptop itself (don't get scared it probably isn't), let's go with the battery first...
Batteries last only about 1-3 years. After that, they they get finicky and will start to refuse to hold a charge (they wear out). If it is younger than that, it could still be a defective battery, but hopefully it is still under warranty. This would explain the icon flashing and the recharge icon being 'stuck' and if you pull out the plug, it just goes off (no power to run from, since the battery isn't working). When you push the power button, it won't turn on since there's no power, unless you plug the cord back in again.
It could also be Windows or your charging circuitry or something else in the mainboard inside, but this is rare, unless you've dropped it a lot, done something inside, or spilled something on your laptop – all of these could cause circuitry problems inside, but it's rare that this happens. It is most likely your battery.
The first thing to check is your power adapter (what you plug into the wall). If it's the original that came with the laptop, then you don't need to worry about it, this is only if you've replaced it since you've owned the laptop itself. Checking the power adapter, make sure it's giving the right output (ie. 72W instead of being only 56W) as this could affect getting a full battery charge (also likely your laptop wouldn't even come on) still, if you've had the adapter replaced, give it a check.
As for the battery, if you have a similar laptop around (workplace, family member has the same) try it in there and see if it will charge fully.
If it works fine, then it may be your laptop itself. If this happens, you can just take your laptop to your vendor (where you bought it) or call Technical Support of the company that manufactured it (the brand name) and they can direct you to a local licensed repair outlet. It may even be repaired for free if it is still under warranty.
If it doesn't work, or you cannot try another machine, it is still likely your battery. Many batteries only last a year or two and simply replacing it (via your vendor or the manufacturer) will be the end of your woes. Calling Technical Support of your vendor or manufacturer, they can let you know if it is still under warranty and can even sell you a replacement over the phone. With fast delivery, you'll be up and running in a day or two.
I hope that gives you some ideas, Larry, good luck and stay positive!
